The Pope: Launch of a New Crusade?

I have been quite amazed by some of the articles this week about the Pope and his comments regarding Islam. Many have come out condemning the Pope for his comments rather than banging on about free speech. This piece in the Guardian today by Jonathan Freedland puts to rest the notion that there is such a thing as absolute free speech, with limits being essential for there to be global civility, an argument repeatedly made by Muslims during the Danish cartoon controversy.

Madeline Bunting also has a go at the Pope in general questioning whether it was in fact a mistake or something more sinister.

Probably the best piece I have seen is by ex-nun Karen Armstrong who, like many Muslims, links this to a wider Western enmity towards Islam which has its roots deeply entrenched in the Crusades.

Osama Saeed has posted some excellent background info on the Pope as well as reflecting my own views on his miserable excuse for an apology