Finnish expert expects stir over Prophet Muhammad caricatures to blow over soon

Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila

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Professor Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila, Finland's foremost expert on Islamic culture and religion, does not view the commotion caused by the Prophet Muhammad caricatures published in the Danish daily Jyllands-Posten last autumn as a far-reaching one.
      "The affair has the characteristics of a fleeting sensation. For Arla Foods this may be a serious business if it affects their market share, but in general this looks like the kind of an incident that will simply be forgotten quickly" Hämeen-Anttila says. The Danish-based dairy group has been at the centre of the storm, facing a boycott of its goods.
      "In the wider scope, I don't see this episode as particularly significant."
     
Hämeen-Anttila does not believe the brouhaha over last autumn's caricatures in Jyllands-Posten by 12 cartoonists depicting what the Prophet Muhammad might have looked like will reach proportions similar to those over author Salman Rushdie's 1988 novel The Satanic Verses.
      "The situation is fundamentally different. Rushdie's novel was a source of lasting provocation, as it was continuously available in bookstores. Jyllands-Posten's caricatures, by contrast, were originally only published once. Also, in 1988 Ayatollah Khomeini was the influential figurehead of the radical Islamic movement, and only his intervention sparked the fuss", Hämeen-Anttila suggests.
      "One has to be careful with where to draw the line when freedom of speech and the freedom to tackle issues that others may hold precious is in question. Making fun of someone's religion is a matter where caution is advisable, even in the name of common courtesy, if not for any other reason."
     
The angry reaction in the Islamic world has included a boycott of Danish export goods, diplomatic sanctions, and threats from Islamic militants. Denmark has advised its citizens against travel to Saudi Arabia, amidst growing anger and resentment across the Muslim world at the cartoon depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. A Norwegian magazine recently reprinted one of the caricatures, thereby sparking protests against Norway in addition to Denmark.


Links:
  Aftenposten: Norwegian flag burned in Gaza
  International Herald Tribune: Danish paper apologizes to Muslims
  Arla Foods

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