Muslim Outrage

I rarely agree with Charles Krauthammer, but in this WaPo editorial, he explores the absurd reaction of the Muslim World to the Pope's recent speech, the Danish cartoons, etc. It is wishful thinking to expect editors, religious and political leaders to take a stand against the tirades launched by radical Muslims. Unfortunately, geopolitical conditions within many Muslim nations make it easy for more moderate Muslims to join the demonstrations. Many have asked me why the moderate Muslims do not stand up, as if they should be expected to hold a counter demonstration every time the Fundamentalists decide to rally. I believe it is most likely because the moderate Muslims are more concerned with the their basic livelihood then to risk alienating a large part of their own community. Echoing many of the themes I have touched on in previous posts, I believe the issue boils down to the ability of fervently Islamic organizations to appeal to a disaffected and economically destitute populace. Until regimes arise (hopefully with our support as it is in our best interests) that can provide basic services (electricity, medical care, food, etc.) for their citizens I believe that we will continue to see more moderate Muslims pulled into the social safety nets offered by organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas to meet their most basic needs. Once the organizations appeal to those needs, bringing them into the radical Muslim fray can't be hard. History has repeatedly shown us that economically desperate and disaffected populations that have had their nationalist pride impugned make easy targets for extremists.