.... Charlie Hebdo has tried to recapture a sense of irreverence that seemed lost. The new director, Stéphane Charbonnier, known as Charb, wants to move on and reposition the weekly's editorial line firmly on the left. It is doubtful that he can manage to restore the publication's past glory.
Of course people should be entitled to mock Islam and any other religion. However, in the current climate of racial and religious prejudice in Europe, how can these cartoons be helpful? Charlie Hebdo is waging a rearguard battle.
[A COMMENT] Define "helpful". Certainly, publishing these cartoons will not "help" the cause of those in the west who are eager to appease the violent and intolerant voices in the Middle East that seek to destroy our hard-won liberties. But it will "help" the cause of those of us who wish to convey that we will not be intimidated and we will not give up our liberties. [guardian.co.uk] Read more
