Many of us have, ever since 9/11, argued that Osama Bin Laden-esque Islamic extremism amounted to a hatred, for such extremists, of the very concepts of democracy and freedom. Some of my liberal friends have argued with this; they have claimed that extremist actions had more to do with opposition to American foreign policy, exacerbated (they further argue) by the "arrogance" and activism of the Bush administration.
Well. See what we have today. Osama BBin Laden is again threatening Europe.
Why? Over cartoons. How so?
Quote: "The al-Qaeda leader criticized European countries for joining in military campaigns in Muslim lands. Although he lamented those actions, he suggested that the Muhammad cartoons were even more immoral and that retaliation was coming. "It paled when you went overboard in your unbelief . . . and went to the extent of publishing those insulting drawings," he said. "If there is no check on your freedom of words, then let your hearts be open to the freedom of our actions."
He cannot understand that there is no "check" on the "freedom of words." He hates the fact that that some believe in free speech. We must always remember the basis for Bin Laden's hatred. He hates what the West is; he hates what it stands for.
