As 2011 draws to a close, a constellation of events, in the Middle East, Europe and the US have thrust certain doctrinal precepts of Islam which endanger basic Western values such as freedom of speech, into public debate. Terms like Shariah, blasphemy and Islamophobia have entered the mainstream largely at the insistence of the Saudi-based 56-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
.... In addition, a State Department Official, according to Fox News, said that the meeting is meant to combat intolerance while being fully consistent with freedom of expression. I don't think that this will be possible. I think the State Department is trying to square a circle. Shariah law can never be consistent with freedom of expression. [New English Review] Read more
