M.O. [Muslim Operandi?]

According to this article, "a Christian member of [Iraqi] parliament, criticised both the Pope for making his comments and Muslim leaders for responding with words that could enflame passions." (emphasis mine)

Well, I guess it is slightly refreshing that some responsibility for a bad situation is given to Muslim leaders. The problem is that this article is like most of the news coverage that I've heard about the Pope's comments. Most reporters seem to act as if the whole of the Islamic community are completely unable to stop themselves from committing atrocities at the slightest hint of "provocation".

Give me a break! This is like making excuses for a bad child. This is completely typical of our "blame somebody else for your mistakes" tendency these days.

If you think that I am exaggerating, let me review:
Salman Rushdie published "The Satanic Verses" = Iran's leader Ayatollah Khomeni issued a decree for his death (incidentally in Feb 2006 the Iranian state news agency reported that this decree will remain in place permanently);
Cartoons of Mohammed were published in a Danish newspaper = Muslims rioting around the globe (check the article for the box titled "Wikinews has previous reports related to this article");
Two men peacefully stand by a Muslim march in Paris = the Police have to take the men away for their own safety (you have to watch the video if you haven't already);
The Pope includes a quote about the violence of Mohammed in a speech = a nun is killed in Somalia and churches are firebombed by Muslim extremists ;
Jews are trying to secure their ancient homeland = the Iranian president calls for the complete destruction of Israel.

I wasn't even looking for it and found this list. And now Hamas is a recognized political party?!?

Is all this overreacting getting old to anyone else, or am I the only one?