Calls for debate fall on deaf ears

[CHIMO]

The level of Western polemic directed against Islam and Muslims has reached an alarming pitch and the rhetoric is no longer limited to small circles of ignorant bigots.

George Bush, the president of the United States, continually links Islam with fascism and Pope Benedict recently infuriated Muslims when he quoted an historical text decrying Islam as an inhumane faith spread by the sword.

These comments came as memories of the Danish cartoons which insulted Muhammad, the Prophet and Islam, persist in the Muslim world.

Some Western figures argue that Muslims should not be so sensitive; it is this sort of position that is used to justify Wesern policy towards the Muslim world.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/C520CFCA-3BD4-4744-99AC-3E7D8646C33F.htm