Defending freedom of expression

In an analysis of the close ties that have always bound the West and Muslim countries, the French-Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun rails against the current spate of misunderstanding. "How can it be that the Muslim world should have become the prisoner of fanatics who, though indeed a minority, now threaten free thought, doubt, and dialogue? Why have these rich, fruitful ties been broken, and what has happened for freedom to be smothered by words of hate and distrust? ... A mere speech from the Pope containing a negative opinion of Islam is all it takes today to unleash unprecedented, brutal expressions of anger. Nothing remains between these two partners whose relations were harmonious for centuries, despite different instances of antagonism and the many ups-and-downs of history."

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