In Eleven Years Not Much has Changed

[Pauline L. Hawkins]

Last week was the eleventh anniversary of the attacks on 9/11. In eleven years it doesn't appear that much has changed, at least not in some countries of the world.

This week on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, Pakistani protesters burned a representation of the U.S. flag during a demonstration that was part of widespread anger across the Muslim world about a film that supposed ridicules Islam's Prophet Muhammad. The flag burning was near the U.S. consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan.

So what is the name of this film causing such an uproar? The film is called, Innocence of Muslims. The film has been used by extremists across the region to harness Muslim fury leading to the targeting of U.S. embassies and consulates, and in some cases breached, during riots and protests.

The video, made by an Egyptian-born American citizen and posted on YouTube, reflects seemingly intractable tension between Western principles of free speech and Islamic beliefs that brook no insult directed at the prophet.

I don't know why it still ceases to amaze me that the world really hasn't moved forward. Tensions between the U.S. and the Muslim world continue with what appears to be growing hatred instead of love and tolerance. Did we learn nothing from 9/11? This all brings to mind the saying, "Can't we all just get along?". I understand how naive that is but you'd think we could at least find some sort of middle ground.

Do I agree with the philosophies of the Islamic world? Not necessarily. But then again, I don't agree with all of the philosophies of the Catholic Church but I don't protest against them, burn their sacred items, or anything else. The world is still a powder keg with the pressure building daily and waiting to explode.