By Shafaque Alam
The anti-Islamic video circulating on the internet, followed by the offensive cartoons published in a French magazine, indicate a bad omen and a threat to the world peace.
Dozens of people across the countries have already succumbed to injuries due to the anti-Islamic movie protest which is still unabated. Several American embassies in different countries have been attacked and public property torched. The protest has also resulted in the killing of several including a US consulate, Christopher Stevens in Libya. The real irony is not that a few mischievous persons have succeeded in their act of dividing the East from the West, and the Muslims from the Christians, but the failure of world leaders to control the situation.
Protest in Chennai on Sept 14, 2012.
No comment or the intriguing silence of the top religious clerics, intelligentsia, academicians and media critics, to pacify the protesters indicate a bad sign. These people must come forward and condemn the movie maker as well as those involved in the violent protest across the countries.
There is doubt on the role of political elements in fanning the violent protest in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, India, and Pakistan – countries which are witnessing massive protest. Sometimes the protests result in killing their own countrymen. Violent protest, in any way, is not the solution of the problem. This will weaken the people themselves which the mischief mongers actually want.
There are some anti-social elements and also a section of media which take interest in making a controversy; even if it is regarding a Prophet. This is not the first time when these people have mocked the Prophet. These thugs represent no religion and their motive is just to disturb the world peace by ridiculing and provoking others. So, the best way to deal with them is to evade them.
The violent-struck poor countries are in great dilemma. They are unable to control the situation and pacify the protesters. They have criticized neither the mischief makers nor managed to arrest the violent protesters.
Immediate steps and intervention may control the situation and avert the looming storm. This will only bring normalcy to the disturbed area. Google should immediately remove the controversial video from internet which is the root of all evils. The movie maker must be brought to justice for disturbing the world peace. He must publicly apologize for his misdeeds. America needs to take the countries in confidence and assure that media must not be misused. The violent protesters should also be brought to justice.
Muslim clerics, at this critical moment, have to play a crucial role. They should come forward and mediate the issue. To quell the protesters they must urge them to shun the violence and observe restraint because this is a battle where everyone, whosoever is involved in it, is sure to be defeated.
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The writer is a New Delhi based journalist