The Truth ( or, watch what you say about Islam in the 21st century)

In light of the recent Muslim uproar over certain remarks made by Pope Benedict XVI regarding Islam, it is intriguing to note what the situation is not. It is not a case of slander. Muslim throngs were clamouring for an apology from the pope (which, when subsequently given, was not enough), thousands of clerics demanded his resignation, churches were burned, and Christians were targeted for attack (in Somalia, a nun was shot in the back). The reason given for all has been consistent, if nothing else: the pope offended Muslims by dishonoring Mohammed. No where, at any time, has there been any allegation of slander; the pope has not been so vilified for speaking violent and frightening lies about Islam. Rather, as any student of history would assert, and as the world Muslim population is itself bearing out, the pope was speaking the violent and frightening truth about Islam.

Islam is a violent religion, in doctrine and in pratice. Violence against the infidels is admonished, not just by "fanatics", but by the Qu'ran itself. That Islam was spread by the sword beginning in the seventh century is an undisputed historical fact. Even today Islam continues to be spread by violence and maintained through fear. Muslims know this to be true, and that is the reason no one disputed the accuracy of the pope's comments (which were actually quotations from the writings of a Byzantine emperor). The Islamic world has made their demands, breathed their threats, and brandished their swords, not because they have a right to in the face of hateful injustice and inciteful slander, but because they believe no one should have the right to question their religion on any grounds. If the West studies the history and theology of Islam and decides it doesn't like what it sees, it had better keep its opinions (and objectively dicovered facts) to itself if it values its security. That is the message of the intolerant and violent mobs which have been buring the pope in effigy.

Yet we continue to say that Islam is a religion of peace, and we continue to tolerate and seek to pacify this incredibly intolerant, irrational religion. Perhaps I've missed something, but this makes no sense to me. Perhaps what I missed was the self-accepted subservience of the Western intellect, the Western ideal of freedom and truth, to this ranting, scimitar-rattling mob that demands that the world not offend them by speaking the truth. How and when did this happen?