PrintJune 8, 2008
Pakistan to ask Europeans to Censor Mohamed Cartoons
They really don't get it.
A delegation of Pakistani lawmakers and government officials are off to Belgium to matter of factly ask the EU to destroy free speech by preventing the publication of cartoons that mock the prophet as well as deny filmmakers like Geert Wilders the freedom to market their work:
It really doesn't get any more brazen than this, does it? "Do as we say or we kill your diplomats. Oh, and by the way, while we're here, let's talk peace."
Any hope that Pakistan's new government would be more secular, more amendable to allowing freedom across the board can now safely be disposed of. This government has been negotiating with the Taliban while turning a blind eye as infiltrations into Afghanistan increase. They have tried to appease the extremists who wish to overthrow them and replace the government with one dedicated to governing the country using Sharia law.
I suppose then it shouldn't surprise us that they would show up in Brussels demanding an end to western style free speech.
The only question is; will the Europeans roll over and offer their necks to the Pakistanis or will they throw them out of the room as they deserve.
I leave it to your imagination to come up with an answer.
A delegation of Pakistani lawmakers and government officials are off to Belgium to matter of factly ask the EU to destroy free speech by preventing the publication of cartoons that mock the prophet as well as deny filmmakers like Geert Wilders the freedom to market their work:
They said that a six-member high-level delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Law would leave Islamabad on Sunday (today) for the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium and explain to the EU leadership the backlash against the blasphemous campaign in the name of freedom of expression.
The delegation, headed by an additional secretary of the Interior Ministry, will meet the leaders of the EU countries in a bid to convince them that the recent attack on the Danish Embassy in Pakistan could be a reaction against the blasphemous campaign, sources said.
They said that the delegation would also tell the EU that if such acts against Islam are not controlled, more attacks on the EU diplomatic missions abroad could not be ruled out.
Sources said that the delegation would also hold discussions on inter-religious harmony during its meetings with the EU leaders.
It really doesn't get any more brazen than this, does it? "Do as we say or we kill your diplomats. Oh, and by the way, while we're here, let's talk peace."
Any hope that Pakistan's new government would be more secular, more amendable to allowing freedom across the board can now safely be disposed of. This government has been negotiating with the Taliban while turning a blind eye as infiltrations into Afghanistan increase. They have tried to appease the extremists who wish to overthrow them and replace the government with one dedicated to governing the country using Sharia law.
I suppose then it shouldn't surprise us that they would show up in Brussels demanding an end to western style free speech.
The only question is; will the Europeans roll over and offer their necks to the Pakistanis or will they throw them out of the room as they deserve.
I leave it to your imagination to come up with an answer.
