SIR - You had two viewpoints of Muslims commenting on the Pope's recent remarks (T&A, September 19).
One I found objective with a peaceful overtone, Javed Bashir, and the other, quite frankly, a piece of supersensitive paranoia.
Dr Mohammed Iqbal writes "Irrational and violent behaviour by modern Muslims...", but probably wouldn't accept this criticism from a non-Muslim!
Here lies one of the main problems we are experiencing with the Islam/West debate. Muslims do not seem to accept criticism and that is why many see Islam as incompatible with the West.
Often Muslims talk about the West showing sensitivities to Islamic ways, but what about Muslims showing sensitivities to Western values like satire, sarcasm, freedom of speech and toning down their anger?
Quite frankly the violent reactions to The Satanic Verses, Danish cartoons and the Pope's recent comments show that, despite dialogue, we haven't really moved on.
As Javed Bashir said "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you..." We might make some progress toward a non-violent and peaceful world.
G Drake, Sangster Way, Bradford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article