Us Vs. Them?

By Craig

Has it really come down to this? Can it be so black and white now? Can the world finally come down to the next big battle over religion? As long as you haven't been hibernating with the bears, I am sure your asking the same questions. The events of the past two weeks have certainly brought the world's attention that this could be a Us vs. Them scenario.

Last week, a cartoonist in Denmark published a cartoon mocking Muhammed, the founder of Islam. The rage that it has started is beyond belief. There have been riots not just in Middle Eastern nations, but in Europe, in SE Asia, and in North America. This cartoon has far-reaching effects.

But it isn't just people who are outraged, but entire nations. But it goes beyond being just upset, the riots and the danger they present are astounding. Although King Abdullah of Jordan recently condemned these acts of aggression while on his visit to the White House, they still seem to be spiraling out of control.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and the leaders of Palestine have been calling for military retaliation against not only Denmark, but also the United States. I have seen images from network news showing Muslims burning flags. And the flags seem to be Denmark, Israel, and America. They act as if America had a direct hand in the cartoon itself.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but on the horizon I see a definitive problem. Muslims are pushing the world into a Us vs. Them stance. Although President Bush has taken a hard stance (as well as Tony Blair and a select few leaders), I feel as though some Muslims are pushing all nations to decide which side of the fence they choose. There is no longer a buffer between friends and enemies.

If saddens me that in the day of openness and technology that binds the world together, that we still have to define ourselves as Us vs. Them. But heed this warning, with Middle Eastern countries choosing terrorists as ruling parties, and hardline leaders such as in Iran, there will be a division, and that division will be deep.


Tags: Mohammed cartoon , Mahmoud Ahmadinejad , Islam