More to the Point

Rude Awakening

By DR. FLORANGEL ROSARIO BRAID

MANILA, Philippines — The recent Islamic attacks in Benzhali that killed Chris Stevens, US Ambassador to Libya, and three other Americans, then quickly spread to “Arab spring countries” Cairo, Egypt, and Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. It was so unexpected that it prompted US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to ask: “How could this happen in a country we helped liberate, in a city we helped save from destruction?” She specifically cited the late ambassador who had spent two decades of service in the Middle East and a leader of the forces that liberated Libya, a man described as the “antithesis of the ruthless, bombastic, and culturally insensitive American diplomat.” Although the violence was believed to have been sparked by the film “Innocence of the Muslims,” terrorism analyst Brigitte Gabriel describes the attack as “coordinated” and “complex.” More may be coming, she said, as Jihadists are coordinating with one another through the Internet.

The attackers used a rocket-propelled grenade, set fire to the consulate building, invaded the US Embassy in Cairo as they lowered the US flag and hoisted an Islamic flag.

“It is the beginning of a wider political movement – in support of al-Qaeda,” Gabriel noted, adding that “we are seeing the Muslim Brotherhood rising all across the Middle East where it has been active for about 30 years.” Some say that US policy which advocates secularization has created a level of “demonization” of the world of Islam, the members of which are believed to be somewhat backward.

This is not the first time that a visual had precipitated such a violent reaction. In 2005, a controversy arose over the publication of 12 editorial cartoons in Jyllands Posten, a national daily in Denmark. The intent of publishing the cartoons which depicted the Islamic prophet Muhammad (which were reprinted in other countries) was to “contribute to the debate on criticism of Islam and censorship.” The aftermath came in the form of protests across the Islamic world, some of which escalated into violence. There were bombings and setting fire of the Danish embassy in several countries as well as flag-burning.

The recent protest over the showing of “Innocence” depicted Muhammad as a womanizer, a pedophile, and a homosexual. Produced by filmmaker Sam Becile, an Israeli Jewish real estate developer from California, it can be seen on YouTube where it first appeared early this year. Those familiar with Islam (especially the Sunnis) would be aware that visual depiction, positive or negative, of the prophets of Islam is prohibited.

Meanwhile, in the US, we heard opposing reaction to the incident from the presidential candidates. While President Barack Obama was truly presidential, condemning the attack and vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice, Republican candidate Mitt Romney used the event to gain political points. He was criticized even by his own party mates for making “stupid” and “graceless” statements – “accusing the White House of apologizing for US values, and saying that it shows the American weakness in combating terrorism as well as its sympathy for American enemies.”

This September bombshell, coincidentally occurring on the eve of September 11, is truly a rude awakening – one that should alert all countries that are under threat from al-Qaida and similar terrorist groups to be continually vigilant. Too, in this age of information technology, it is a reminder to governments of the need for keeping a balance between the requirements of national security and transparency and of the importance of reviving values of tolerance and cultural sensitivity.