A knighthood!!!

Most likely a night hood.

HA HA.

Hewitt, London, UK

Perhaps he can now pay back the costs incurred protecting him.

Chris D, Edinburgh, Scotland

I have not read the book and it is definitely not my cup of tea. I am not religious. If the book is really a service to literature then he deserves the award. If not, not. I don't know.

I often see considerable anti-Muslim bias in TV and press reporting. But I also think the ready recourse to talk of killing by some whenever anything offends their beliefs only harms Islam. Belief is not fact. It requires the leap of faith. No leap, no religion(s). So Muslims need to realise that whilst they follow their own creed, apparently without question, others see it as just one of many (usually rigid) thought systems, all of which we discuss freely. The world is now closely interlinked by technology. Communications are open. The best thing would be for Muslims to follow their own personal standards regarding their religion. It is unrealistic to expect that all others with very different philosophies will follow their edicts.

Phil, Hong Kong,

Western society has to drawn the line, as to what is acceptable censorship, especially when coming from the all-too-sensitive Islamic world - of today.

It would seem that the effects of terrorism and the atrocities being committed in places like Darfur are far less offensive, to the one billion or so in the Muslim world, than a satire done of a man’s own religious beliefs.

For Salman Rushdie, there are several types of deaths, the one where - if the fatwa on his life was successful. And the other where – if the work of a talented writer was ignored and the man never honoured. Luckily, and I suppose God willing, to date, none of these have occurred.

Rebecca, LONDON, UK

The real issue here is which religion do you believe in, because i will tell you that if you think they are all equal and all lead to the same place you are mistaken. I always find it ironic that everyday the christian faith is portrayed badly, mad fun of, down right blasphemed, yet you dont see many christians calling for those people to be killed. I find it most interesting that anytime the Muslim religion encounters the same thing, many "higher ups" in the faith immediately call for violence and protests. That doesnt sound like the God they claim to believe in.

Bill, NY,

One finds it amusing, if a little disturbing, that people calling for someone's muder can do so whilst simultaneously claiming the moral high ground...

M Pearce, St Albans,

If Pakistan wishes to be accepted as a civilised nation the they should bring criminal charges against everyone calling for violence against Salman Rushdie. That includes members of the Pakistani Parliament.
When will these so called defenders of the Islamic faith realise that it is perfectly acceptable to criticise any religion ,providing people are allowed to practice any religion in peace.
I am an atheist and do not respect any religion, but I respect other peoples right to worship who, and what they want.
I most certainly do not want to blow them up because they do not agree with me.

Alice Mahon, Halifax, UK

As a Knighthood is not worth spit now, why are they upset.?

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Texas

Perhaps he was honoured for courageously upholding the practice of free speech and expression, a concept that may be foreign to Pakistan and Iran, but is very much part of the British tradition.

Essex Geoff, Witham, UK

In these days many muslims have become drunk on hatred and bloodthirst. Hordes are howling at the gates of Europe. Sadly, many European muslims are replying endorsive. Why do these people ignore the fact that Europe has granted them freedom and prosperity? Why do they want to turn our green pastures into the dreadful deserts that their grandparents once left? Our dream of an open, free society is good. But we must not permit Europe to be killed in her sleep.

M.J.A. Michiels, Sittard, Netherlands

yet another effort on part of west , to encourage the war of civilisations

shahid, dublin,

Since when do Pakistan and Iran dictate who appears on the Honours list? Certainly seems somewhat excessive to
use this to justify further violence and bombings.

Louise, Birmingham,

jamie, london:

How do you know GOD even exists, and furthermore, how do you know that Muhammed is a Prophet other than what you have been told to believe? Ignorance must be bliss....

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

Yet another example of the western world being asked to tolerate intolerance on the part of Islam. Its moments like these that we need moderate Muslim leaders to speak out against threats of physical violence as being in any sense a legitimate response to perceived religious insults. Until this happens moderate Muslims cannot complain if they have a credibility problem defending Islam as a "religion of peace".

James, London , UK

Salman Rushdie is a global lcon because of his works of liturature. One might disagree with what he says in some of his books like Satanic Verses and that is perfectly normal. But one must defend his right to be heard and recognised. Am sure the Queen considered the whole corpus of his works before knighting him and we should not let the controversy generated by the Satanic Verses to blind us from his contribution to the world of art, and in that alone, Rushdie has few equals. He merits the knighthood.

Peter Opondo, Nairobi, Kenya

Sir,
Can one respect Islam without respecting its Prophet? How to win friends & influence people-by advocating freedom of (Hate) speech? Recall what he said about white women
It looks as if the Queen & Blair are giving a 2 fingered salute a la Bernard Manning to the Muslims. Not PC but PB i.e political barbarism. What next, invite the Chief Rabbi for a ham sandwich & knight the Holocaust-denier Dr Irving? A queen for all her subjects? It's amazing how many foreigners see it fit to comment upon our internal issues, ehm the US posters. Freedom of speech for JUST books! Well how about Mein Kampf, Protocols of the Elders of Zion & the Anarchist's Cookbook? Anyone ever heard the saying that the pen is mightier than the sword?
Didn't the English philosopher Locke, as opposed to a Continental, say that "Complete freedom of speech is only for the newborn savage, all else is compromise on the way towards civilisation?" Barbarism being defined as unrestrained, the opposite of Civilisation.

SC, London, United Kingdom

Sajid from Bradford, UK who writes:
"I think it is important to recognise that any person who has deliberately dishonoured or disrespected a faith or non-faith community in a very serious way and has caused severe tensions in community relations cannot be honoured ."
I have only one word for you... Now think carefully because I'm not going to repeat myself and if you don't understand, then go and ask someone who hasn't been brainwashed into believing fairytales... Try asking someone who actually understands Islam and its roots. Someone like Ali Sina or Robert Spencer.
That word is... "Mohammed" !!!

Paul, Edinburgh, Scotland

How about Brits demand an apology from the ignorant bigotted pakistanis who burnt an effigy of the Queen? Blasphemy does not equal terrorism in the educated world. Please could the fanatic Muslims join the 21st century? I don't see anyone burning an effigy of richard dawkins - that's because we are educated to respect the rights of others to hold different opinions from our own, blasphemous or otherwise. Religion is their only solace ? (Neil Johnson, Missig, Canada). Nonsense, it is keeping millions of Muslims (and other faiths) enslaved. It is indeed ridiculous that Muslim leaders here and abroad spout such violent, racist intolerant nonsense, but also worrying - proof that multiculturalism is doomed to failure.

Annie, London, UK

Knuckle under to the wishes and prejudices of every nickle and dime mullah or schoolboy who can paint a sign and threaten suicide bombs or ....

Fanatics are only passified when they are no longer willing to pay the price for their actions. That price must start soon and be at least as ruthless as the fanatics. Notice the mullahs are not the ones strapping bombs to themselves, only the idiots that follow their every word robotically.

Bob, Longview, Washington

Yup, That's the standard answer - knee jerking threats of Suicide bombing and violence if something doesn't agree ith their interpretation of their peaceful religion

Les Rose, birmingham, UK

This is the kind of Moslem extremism that makes some of us believe that perhaps the American neocons are right in their crusade against Moslem extremism. The world should never bow down to these bullies.

Charan, London, UK

It's astonishing that Sacrani, Bari and Co. from the MCB continue to demonstrate that they have no right to British citizenship. But it's too late for Blair to learn.

A grown-up, Hamburg, Germany

I am sickened to learn that the very nation who is trying to convince us that it is not operating a witch hunt against the muslims... is now awarding such a man with a knighthood! What for? for his efforts in insulting millions of muslims all over the world? Thanks so much. The foul smell of hypocrisy and injustice reaks from thisnation, a nation i once was so proud of....i am ashamed to say I am British.

zara, Sheffield,

Presumably the same Pakistani minister would agree that the western powers can go around murdering Pakistanis because we don't agree with something they have said or done. The Pakistani government wants the west to believe that it is doing everything it can to suppress terrorism on the one hand, whilst threatening the west with terrorist activities on the other. It cannot be for and against, it can only be one or the other and I think we can see which side it's on. So stop Pakistani immigration, stop financial aid to Pakistan and repatriate all Pakistani immigrants, however long they've been here and however many generations have passed.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

It is refreshing to see so many British posters standing up for freedom of speech. Definitely, what the people and government of the UK do in their own country is their own business.

But are the rulers of the UK and Western Europe of 30-40 years hence going to be committed to freedom of speech?

The deomographics are against you. I suggest the nonfiction book "The Last Days of Europe: Epitaph for an Old Continent" by Walter Laqueur. Definitely food for thought.

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, S.C. / USA

"Is there any doubt that a lone subscriber to these beliefs would be considered mad?...The danger of religious faith is that it allows otherwise normal human beings to reap the fruits of madness and consider them holy." - Harris, The End of Faith

Paul, London,

The knighthood was great. The timing, however, is awful... Liz should have waited until Hamas & Fatah had more time to kill one another before giving Muslims a call to unity. A couple more weeks would have been useful.

Jeffrey, New York, USA

Pakistan should not be so touchy and should grow up. Free expression trumps Islam - and any other cult that would want to suppress freedom of expression. Sorrrreee, but that's the way it is - that's why you come here.

Phil, Preston,

His service to the Nation, let alone the rest of the world, was that he told the truth about verses that had been written by a man , yes, a man..... called Mohammad

If you have been brought up since childhood to believe one thing and then hear that effectively, everything you believe is not true, it must be very hard to agree. But the truth will be out. The Muslim world should read the book and I suspect that not a single person calling for blood has done that. I suspect that if they were even so much as seen with the book in their hands they would not survive more than a few moments.

The best strength we have here in the West is the truth and freedom to speak it. All praise to whoever thought of giving this award. This is a blow for freedom and the extremists do not like that.

Chris, Alton, UK

To Neil Johnson : you’re not making any favour to Pakistani Muslims by calling prophetolatry and koranolatry gone berserk a religion. This is not a solace, but a deadly delusion. Rather than patronizing them as third world, realize that Pakistani have potential, and should be able to make something out of themselves if they would only stop running in circles chasing the “most islamic Islam” and tackle their real problems : fear (of sex and women), tribalism, violence, inequalities (homegrown).

Kevin, Taipei, Taiwan

It is obvious to any clear thinking person that the negative reaction of Muslims and the Pakistan goverment is an attempt to interfere in the freedoms of both Mr Rushdie and British Government whom has the right to honor those who it wishes. The awarding of the knighthood to Rushdie has nothing to do with Islam, it is about excellence in the written word. Once more the extremists point out who the real evil doers are.

Jim, River Forest, Illinois

Who cares if Muslim countries feel offended by it or not? To be blunt, it's none of their business making lots of noise and demanding we kowtow to their version of what is acceptable under threat of violence.

If so, how long before they're threatening to riot or bomb us unless we remove all female ministers from parliament, or even the Queen from Her throne, because the presence of females in positions of power offends Muslims? How long before they demand that we stop selling Danish bacon because that offends Muslims too?

They need to be told two things:

1:) Feel free to be offended if you so wish.
2:) Don't assume you have a right to not be offended by what other countries do. It's not your business.

Simon Harkner, Liverpool, UK

A Pakistani Government Minister has incited a violent crime in the UK. Unless Pakistan immediately apologises, its ambassador should be expelled and in any case this minister should be persona non grata.

I don't like Rushdie's work but he is a highly respected writer and was a candidate for an honour before Satanic Verses. If he is deemed worthy of a knighthood, we shouldn't deny it to him for fear of extremists.

The message should be given in clear bu soft words that Rushdie is being awarded for his entire body of work not one book and that there is no intention to insult Muslims BUT that this is a UK matter and no-one has the right to dictate who Britain awards and that in any case, offending religious sensibilities is allowed in Britain.

FA, London,

Sir Salman deserves his knighthood not only for his outstanding literature but also for his brave example in eschewing and then revealing the untrue fantasy of islam. The British government is to be commended for holding high the light of free and reasonable thinking. I don't think Salman has anything to worry about from any false prophet let alone from any creative & life-giving deity!
People who call Rushie 'insensitive' - or let alone justify violence (suicide bombers say Pakistani parliamentarians!) in response to this - only reveal, again, the dying gasp of an anti-human controlling ideology that, like Communism some years ago, will in time die out.

Rico, Madrid, Spain

The MCB has called the award Blair's final insult to UK muslims. Why is this not reported?

Having fought fascism all my life, I now feel that Sacranie's knighthood is an insult to the people of the UK, as is the MCB itself.

The MCB have to realise that they must be britons first and muslims second. If they feel this leads to intollerable contradictions in their lives, then they should feel free to leave.

I wouldn't demand my right to drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia, and the MCB should not demand we sacrifice 800 years of liberty because of their intolerance.

The sooner the Pythons make a Life of Mohammed, the better. The MCB is just turning people against Islam. People don't have a problem with mutliculturalism. It's not becoming whites vs the rest (Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, etc), it's becoming the rest vs Islam, and I find that sad.

If the MCB can't see how they are making things worse, then they are more small-minded than they already appear.

Ganpati bless

Rory Newman, London, UK

It is very difficult to fathom the justification for bestowing a knighthood on Salman Rushdie; however the response from senior people across the moslem community makes their claims that islam is a peaceful religion a complete mockery

Rick, London, England

Seriously, did they all miss the part where everybody is entitled to an opinion? If you don’t like the book, don’t read it! Forget that it’s ever been written. And if Britain wants to honour a famous and brilliant author, than let them honour him. It’s their right, as it is / was Rushdie’s right to write and publish the book.
There are these strange little things called “freedom of speech” and “freedom of press” – funny stuff, really, it actually means that you can think and say whatever you want, as long as you are not brutally violating human rights.

Tessa, Aachen, Germany

What certainly does not make sense is you pretending to be the mouth of god. If your attitude towards art is limited to a religious context you should not be allowed to participate in it. You are not ready jamie

Grand Schizoid, Cracow, Poland

A man who is critical of the Muslim religion is given a knighthood and yet ordinary British people are being villified for their criticism of the muslim religion at the same time. The hypocrisy of some of the decisions of this Government have been breathtaking and I'm not surprised that Pakistan is furious. The decision to give this man a knighthood isn't exactly sensible although the threat of more terrorism will only affect ordinary people won't it? Ordinary citizens will be the target. You know, the same ordinary citizens who wouldn't have advised that giving a knighthood to Mr Rushdie was a good idea.

judy, Liverpool, england

It strikes me as rather presumptive that Muslems presume they have to protect god and mohammed. Surely God is strong enough to defend himself. Muslims who scream for the death of Rushdie seem to be implying that god is either too weak to stand up for his own interests or that perhaps he doesn't exist.

TDK, Edinburgh, UK

so if I get this straight,you state that it makes "sense" to incite murder over mere words...is your prophet that weak that words can destroy the message..how sad is that...I'm afraid that it is your religion that needs to change and grow ,
or it well be irrelivent and foster only misery and hate....

barry, halifax, canada

I agree that he should not receive a knighthood. I am however fed up with the continual bleeting of Muslim countries crying foul over everything they disagree with. The majority of Britains disagree with arranged weddings but we accept them. We abhore the fact that family members are prepared to kill brides who do not do marry who they are told to. THIS is a free country, for as long as it lasts.
The British public are fed up to the back teeth of listening to the moaning, put up or shut up, we have to but be sure as eggs are eggs we won't remain quiet forever, the backlash will occur one day.

Tony, Leicester, UK

I sense business prospects. The frequency with which Paikistani muslims find things about which to take offense, surely this is an opportunity to export effigies?

Nick, Rotherham, UK

"Deport this imbecile 'Dr' Bari. Nobody who questions Rushdie's right to write as he wishes belongs in Britain." -- Maynard, Oxford, UK

I thought this was all about freedom of speech? lol

Stanzler, New York, USA

I find it refreshing that so many British posters speak up for freedom of speech. Definitely, what you do in your country is your business.

However, a real question arises as to who is going to rule the Uk and the Western European countries in 30 to 40 years. It may well not be a group that believes in free speech. I recommend to everyone the book (nonfiction) "The Last Days of Europe" by Walter Laqueur. The demographics are against Western Europe and the UK.

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, S.C. / USA

It is amazing how the religious leaders in the middle east perpetuate hatred. What is even more amazing is the immigration that has occured to the West will more than likely bring that hatred with them. At some point you have to think for yourselves. If somehting does not work in on place in the world more than likely it will not work in a new part. Of course if it did work in the middle east there would not be the immigration to the West.

Robert, Orlando, Florida

Freedom of speech!!!

The problem is not Islam or the Muslims.

It is the fact that in the west religion has a different concept but to most Muslims Islam is a way of life.

So any thing that says their way of life is bad, wrong or not worth living is their enemy.

In the same way not so long a go in the USA there was "KKK" infect they are still there, they also believed their way of life was being eroded and thus behaved like terrorists.

Moral of the story is every culture, religion, society country and even any group of people have extremists.

Hewitt, London, UK

Hey guys
Do not take the Pakistani Minister's words so earnestly. He is using it to get political mileage in his country. This is a well known practice in the Indian sub continent.
Well, Britain should have the guts (unlike India) to throw the offenders to its sovereignty out of the country. Britain is a secular country and not an islamic country. It should send the hatred preaching guys to the gallows.
I don't know if Rushdie got the knighthood for his guts or his literary work. But whatever it is, it was the choice of British government. And this is not done to insult the muslims.. it is done to honour a person. I get irritated every time someone supports Bush.. but I cannot take that as a personal insult to me.

Mohammed Yousuf, Bombay, India

Another over-reaction from a bunch of hate mongers who look for offence in every gesture. Every response from them is violence related no matter how insignificant the so-called 'insult'. Absolutely no chance of a reasoned discussion to iron out difficulties with others. Speaks volumes about them.

James, London,

This would be hilarious if I did not think some fanatic will end up strapping explosives to himself because of the knighting of Salman Rushdie. This fits perfectly with the joke making the rounds in the U.S. now….”Islam is a religion of peace, and if you say anything different, any Muslim will be justified in killing you” or some variation thereof.

C.K. Anderson, Naples, Florida

Right, the Queen gave him a Knighthood just so she could insult the muslims. Does anybody take these people seriously but I think they're all a joke.

Susan, Barry, S Wales

Deport this imbecile 'Dr' Bari. Nobody who questions Rushdie's right to write as he wishes belongs in Britain.

Maynard, Oxford, UK

Hey Neil!

From one Canadian to another: give your head a shake, pal! The West is not trashing the Middle East. No reasonable and objective review of the facts supports such a conclusion.

So even if it was wrong to give Salman Rushdie a knighthood where's your condemnation of the immoderate and intemperate response?

Guy, Ottawa, Canada

Hail BLAIR for this one !! Standing up for individual rights to do as we choose........

Kat, Smithville , USA/Tennessee

How embarrasing for Islam to react this way.....how pathetic

Phil, Preston,

"David Irving wrote a book making fun of Jewish holocaust and he got locked up in jail"

Denying the systematic murder of 6 million people because of their race is NOT MAKING FUN. It is a continuation of a racial witch hunt and has nothing to do with this arguement. Besides turning to violence as an answer to everything, Muslims cannot resist dragging my faith into their arguements.

Salman Rushdie isn't to my taste but his scrutiny of this own religion is to be applauded as brave.

Jackie Martin, Manchester,

It is absurd to suggest that this honour is a reward for insulting a prophet of God, however, I do think that the person responsible for this decision has been poorly advised, perhaps it might be appropriate under the circumstances for Mr. Rushdie to decline.

Steve, Folkestone, Kent

I have never been a fan of the monarchy. I am, in fact, a conservative Scottish nationalist republican, and often very lonely.

But I both admire (grudgingly) and have a little more respect for that institution following Salman Rushdie's knighthood. This took some real guts.

When Scotland is independent, I want Cristopher Hitchens as president. Not only is he an extraordinary writerand wit, he puts all religion in its place - at the bottom of the barrel of human achievement. Its proper place as all can see from the article above and the stupid comment from "Jamie".

John Simon, Edmonton, Canada

Just which little jerk in Downing Street put Salman Rushdie up for a knight hood? the Muslims think that they have been insulted, the British know that they have been insulted.
This is obviously a provocative act since never in a million years would a novelist with only one book to his credit be awarded anything at all, it's really quite absurd and insulting both to the Muslims and to the British.

C. Burghard, LANCING, ENGLAND

Why are we spending precious time bringing this stupid act into the open, it is not news just a few radical muslims. We have just given them a huge international platform with which to preach thier views, better to just ignore them and watch what happens.

We should not assume that because of a few radical muslims that all muslims feel the same way but also we should not go out of our way to insult them.

Joseph Kellie, Edinburgh, Scotland

to jamie;

you don't like the way a democratic country works then go and live somewhere else.

gill, paris,

He wouldn't have got his knighthood when Mrs Torture, as he refers to her in " The Satanic Verses", was Prime Minister.

neil, ireland,

No surprise here.

Even a supposedly friendly Muslim country wants to subject all of Britain to the same life of terror imposed on Rushdie for two decades.

When will the Western world realize that there's no basis for coexistence with Muslims? Whether we like it or not. One cannot be a good Muslim and also be what the Western world considers to be a "moderate".

Just look how well things are going for Abbas in Gaza.

Donna Crehan, Boston, US

A government official actually voicing views such as Pakistan's Minister of Religious Affairs has done, simply makes Islam sound silly and juvenile, regardless of the numbers of its adherents. Can all Muslims be that ignorant and ridiculous sounding?! Who gives a damn about "sensitivity" when it's Muslims who are threating murder. Isn't making a threat of bodily injury illegal on its face? Shouldn't an international arrest warrant now be sworn out for the outspoken Pakistani minister?

Congratulations to Sir Rushdie. The reaction of Pakistan's Religious Affairs minister makes be want to purchase a copy of each of Rushdie's books immediately.

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

"Just as we have a right to free speech, Sir Salman has a right to his views and I have a right to my views. Free speech and personal views don't kill people. If there are those that would disagree with others, let them argue. Once again, the power of the pen has proved it's might over the sword." -- Frederick D Brookes, Stafford, England

Why didn't people speak up for David Irvings freedom of speech? The poor chap is locked up in jail.

Mohammed, London, UK

It is fascinating that the citizens of the United Kingdom, founded as it is, in part, on what were viewed as the heretical views of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, would side with those who support extremism.
Britons should re-read the consequences of religious extremism such as Oliver Cromwell or Mary Stuart, prior to support for extremism.

Andrew, Hong Kong, China

It infuriates me that you give any space in your newspaper to call these poorly-educated criminal fanatics, that you post their pictures, and especially that you speak about their anger. You do not do this with the drug-addicted killer, the random murderer or the bar-brawler. Why provide legitimacy to persons completely lacking in any kind of credibility. You should report the threat, but should stop giving legitimacy to these people in your newspaper. Shame on the Times! and other poorly managed newspapers.

Em Hawthorne, Ottawa, CAN

Any country that bases its politics on a book of fairytales should be treated with the contempt they deserve.

When a politician of a fairytale following country calls for terror attacks on a citizen of another sovereign power such as in this case, the ambassador should be dragged in front of our authorities and instructed to explain his countries actions, before being frog marched to the airport and turfed out.

Foo, Edinburgh, Scotland

I am sorry but the Muslim world is seriously coming across as backward,violent,intolerant and can anyone name me a world beating product produced out of a Muslim country in the last 100 years.

J Currie, London,

More harm has been done to Islam by its reaction to the book than could ever have been done by Mr Rushdie.

In the West we are...impressed...very impressed...well done...

Impressed, Dubai, UAE

A peaceful, measured reaction from the representatives of the religion of peace.

Roland, London,

Rushdie writes a book resulting in this. Pakistani offspring bomb and kill 52 British people in Britain and where is the effigy burning and mob protest? I guess that's cultural relativism for you.

B Williamson, Stockport,

This is the typical bullying response from radical Islam we have come to expect, they are like bullies in the play ground only more dangeous! Every country in the world should give Salman Rushdie an award for his creativity and bravery for standing up to this type of Islamo Fascism! What would they do then? Declare war on the rest of the world?

Rik Lambert, Letchworth, Herts

Hitoshi Igarashi, the Japanese language translator of the book was stabbed to death on July 11, 1991; Ettore Capriolo, the Italian language translator, was seriously injured in a stabbing the same month, and William Nygaard, the publisher in Norway, survived an attempted assassination in Oslo in October of 1993.

How silly for anyone to question that Islam is the religon of peace

Herbert, ny, usa

West is supposed to be the most educated and most tolerant. Cant they empathize with less educated and the poorest people of the world. Religion is their only solace after the slavery to the West for the last 300 -350 years. Then you tell them that your faith is all wrong? What is the benefit of this self-righteousness to the West.

The timing is so bad when the West is destroying the Middle East completely by its own ill advised decisions and is encouraging the extremists by telling that whosoever insults Islam is the hero of the west (by rewarding them). Is insulting one sixth of humanity free speech? There should be self-discipline in free society particularly when that country has substantial muslim population and that country was greatly responsible the current state of muslim countries.

The question I ask what are the costs and benefits of giving knighthood to Salman Rushdie to England in particular for the short term and long term.

Neil Johnson, Mississauga, Canada

Oops we've done it again, we've offended the muslims. So how do they react? With violence, irrationality, threats of violence, threats of suicide bomb attacks, burning effigies of the queen. Please. Is it any wonder they are sometimes viewed as a violent, slighlty crazy people? It is getting very very tiresome seeing people that are quite fankly one can short of a six pack, running around the streets of Pakistan, Afghanistan, London, wherever, burning effigies of people they don't like. Do these people not have jobs? Where do they find the time to run around the streets for hours on end chanting death to the infidels?

This man wrote a book for goodness sake. Are there not thousands of books in the world that offend at least one section of society. This is getting so ridiculous and more than ridiculous, very boring.

Some minister in Pakistan has recently said it would be justified for a muslim to blow himself and maybe 10s of other innocent people. The world is doomed.

Bucksfizz, Bolton, Lancs

"The West is accusing Muslims of extremism and terrorism. If someone exploded a bomb on his body he would be right to do so unless the British government apologises and withdraws the ’Sir’ title.”

Doe these people even listen to themselves? The west is accusing Muslims of extremism and terrorism, so it's ok for a Muslim to be an extremist and a terrorist?

And then people wonder why we don't take them seriously.

Ethan, Tampa, FL

tarnishing the holy creatures and their characters is a sin. at least islam does not allow it and has suggested punishments for it. its not only for the prophet muhammad but for all prophets without any discrimination because the prophets of christians and jews are also prophets of islam. they are prophets of people of books. i wonder if christians would like the same for jesus or jews would like it for moses. every religion has directed for sanctity for its leaders. there is no difference whether you are a muslim or christian or a jew. knighting an author who has insulted prophet of a religion is not at all justified and should be condemned. the right of expression has also got some rules to follow. it does not mean that you can write anything whatever you wish to, specially related to religions and religious figures.

Shiraz Mehmud, Karlskrona,

the sad part of giving a view on this is if it does not support a religion which is increasingly alien to our whole society is that you wonder if some medieval nutter will turn up and blow you up.
since the reformation this has not been a problem to us.
islam despite the fact that many people in civilised society"s
like ours develop a balanced view is eleswhere a throwback to biblical times.
there may be trouble ahead!!

rod smith, manchester, england

Please don't withdraw the award.
How about WE decide who gets awards and WHAT for. He has written some excellent books, so why should he not receive an honour? Because some islamic states don't like what he says? How about muslim's learn to grow up and understand that not everybody shares their views.
Must be all pander to their demands?
Lets get on with life and forget about the old fashioned easily insulted people who want to keep us in the dark ages by threatening us.
Do you get this revolt from Christians over Monty Python? Sure, some will be angry, but they don't threaten to kill the actors and writers! They can see that its someones opinion, an opinion that we all have the right to make, or at least in Britain and the US anyway, which is where Rushdie resides.

Jamie, Halifax, West Yorkshire

Here we go again! The religion of peace wants to start blowing more people up.

We've not protested and called for violence when they burn bibles or kill Christians.

So tell me again, which is the religion of peace?

N. Simon, London, UK

The knighthood for Salman Rushdie is excellent news for those of us who cherish free speech, freedom of expression and the right to criticise bigotry and the excesses of religion. Can we now have an international arrest warrant for Mr Ul Haq for incitement to murder.

Don Basilio, Cambridge, UK

I think the comments about the 'historian' David Irving miss the point.

Yes, it is a disgrace that he is in prison for falsifying history in a free society. But the response should be a condemnation of over-reaching state power and a robust defense of free inquiry - not glib and sarcastic attempted 'ironies' about Rushdie getting a knighthood.

If some muslims are offended - then tough. This country is a liberal democracy with a great tradition of free expression. No one has any special rights not to be 'offended'. Causing offense is not mandatory but it is permitted in a free society. So grow up.

Rushdie deserves this award for his outstanding services to literature. Everything else about the fatwa is irrelevant.

Pakistan's demagogue extremists should keep their nose out of the British honours system.

N Murdoch, Coatbridge, Scotland

I think it is important to recognise that any person who has deliberately dishonoured or disrespected a faith or non-faith community in a very serious way and has caused severe tensions in community relations cannot be honoured . It is more important to recognise the overwhelming success and contrbution of a Muslim personality in the British society for inclusivity. Britain the beacon of light for justice, is willing to give recognition to one person's literary work (which was artistically disputable,Dahl) over the feelings and sentiments of 1 billion Muslims around the world. It is a very sad situation. As citizens in the UK I feel we all have a duty to be sensitive and understanding on the beliefs of our faith communities - this does not mean they are reserved from criticism in the literary circles, but it does mean that literature which deliberately denigrates, vilifies and very indecently portrays a sacred personality is smply unacceptable even under the freedom of expression.

Sajid, Bradford, W Yorkshire

I really feel Muslim people have lost their right to dictate to the world about what they want and dont want . Their ability to not listen to reason and just propagate hatred is uniting the other religions of the world like Hinduism , Christianity , Jews against them. I have only word for those Muslims who propagate Extremism- Do something for the other people in the world like poeple of Zimbabwe, Sudan or the Nigerians where people of their own faiths are dying of Hunger

sarang, brighton,

Is it really only a minority of Muslims who believe that violence against non-Muslims is justified - I wonder? Using this as an excuse to justify Suicide bombings is deplorable. Why they feel they have the right to come to a non-muslim country and try to impose their beliefs on the rest of the country is unbelievable.

A J, Cardiff, UK

JL writes;

"This statement by the Pakistani minister (if true) is direct incitement to acts of terror, not to mention - yet again - disproportionate and illogical rhetoric."

It is without doubt an incitement for a suicide bombing attack on UK soil. It must be dealt with vigorously by our diplomatic people in Pakistan and here.

The decision by the Queens honours system to award Rushdie this prize for simply producing a badly written book and irritating hundreds of millions of Muslims at the same time, has to be seen for what it is though-

... a baffling unprovoked action toward a culture that is renown for acting violently to the slightest provocation.

No matter what conclusion is reached in the coming days or weeks over this looming crisis, the product will be hugely damaging.

Jez Walton, Leeds,

WE WILL NOT SUBMIT.

AM, michigan, US

Muslims suggesting all religions must be respected obviously dont see that their own religious sentiments and actions are an affront to contradictory religious sentiments across the globe. The satanic verses was an histroical islam as well as a work of fiction. No religion is immune to criticism or eeven contempt in a free society , just because you belive that your religion is of God , doesnt mean people cant be critical of it. to reject such a claim is to reject the idea that God created humanity with the freedom to make choices. he gave us a brain for a reason, muslims need to start using theirs.

Giorgio, seoul, Korea

Here we go again, I think we've all got the message that Muslim fanatics don't like Mr Rushdie's book but do thy have to keep going on about. They don't have to read it and most haven't read it. Live and let live.

Mark, Newcastle,

How can muslims try and rule the world in the name of any God?
Far right catholics have intended to to the same in a number of occasions, but fortunately, we did not pay attention to them. The western world started to go on when religion was packed and placed at the bottom of our beliefes.
Is the western world suppose to allow muslim terrorist to censor every decision made?
It is freedoom of speech what makes us different from those who order to kill somebody in the name of the most stupid reasons. We are responsible for protecting it for future generations.

sebastian, Soria, Spain

It was pointed out recently by the ruler of
Dubai that the Islamic world produces fewer books in a year than the country of Turkey and every one of those is a reliegious book no doubt. He also pointed out that the Islamic world has a literacy rate of 40%. Withsuch a low literacy rate how is it possible taht they can even contemplate cricising a piece of literacy? Also, I hear calls for the Islamic world to cut diplomatic ties with Britain. That has got to be the best news I've heard from the Islamic world in years and I support you fully in your efforst to cut diplomatic ties with Britain. The sooner the better for Britain......

Literate, London,

My deep personal faith and religious beliefs that all men are equal before God and that no man has the authority to pronounce a death threat on another (just because he wrote some stupid book) have once again been attacked by these religious zealouts who distort the holy words of Islam for their own sinister motives. Who do they think they are to even attempt to tell other people what we can and cannot write about? If you want to write something that I find offensive, I will simply not read it! I have had enough of these people and therefore, I am issuing a dogma, which is my version of a fatwa, decreeing that any dog will be absolved of any sin and be rewarded by way of eternal gratitude, should it choose to bite the ass of any of these pompous clerics or so called religious affairs ministers.

crashingdashingkid, near Wales, England

I can understand what the Muslim world is angry about. We in the west do stand in opposition to the values of Islamic extremists, and long may it continue.

"Every religion should be respected" - Sher Afgan Khan Niazi

Personally, I disagree. I don't feel that any religion is really worthy of "respect", Scientology is just as ridiculous as Christianity or Islam. But, if it is the view of Sher Afgan Khan Niazi that "Every Religion" should indeed be respected, he might want to start at home and start respecting non-muslims.

Chris Leeder, Ipswich, UK

It is about time we made it clear to the Government of Pakistan that we will not tolerate interference in our affairs from Muslim Fanatics.They are a throw back to the middle ages.

Michael J Rigby, Blackburn, England

The statements against Rushdie are an absolute outrage. Civilised people do not settle disagreements about religion and other matters by taking the lives of unarmed civilians. The people making these statements, some of them apparently our "allies" in the war against terror, should grow up and get a life.

Sumon Bhaumik, Uxbridge, UK

He thought he was being clever with words and concepts , but in all honesty I can see how he got up a lot of people's noses.
The question is. what has he actually done for Britain?

Ellie, London, UK

When will the islamic world realise that this kind of reactionary fundamentalism only serves to increase the distaste of the Islamic religion and everything it stands for. A sensible, non-threatening comment from the Muslim Council of Britain would be very much welcome at this point. Silence will be telling.

Martin, Berks, England

It is unbelievable the way people behave over religion. Religious people are unable to see that their belief is only a superstition and in their own mind. Religion does not have any more right than any other belief to be free of scrutiny and comment or criticism. However Peoples right to believe should be respected as our right not to believe should. The Prophets who started the religions tried to bring some law and order into the world to enable us to live in peace and harmony, they will be turning in their graves now, so to speak at how everything they worked for has been distorted and abused by fanatics. God does not exist outside the minds of believers and it will be so until proven otherwise. Those who wish to punish unbelievers and so called blasphemers are out of their mind and out of order. i do not think that Rushdie should be honoured though there are far more worthy people among the common people more deserving.

Dave Madley, Poole, UK

The award of this knighthood was not considered with sufficient care. It presupposes that literary talent is the sole issue under consideration. But literary talent, in the age of Sociolinguistics, can no longer be classified as a "thing-in-itself". In the communicative context of the internet, literary talent carries a message, and that message has been interpreted by numerous contributors to this thread as a two-fingered salute to the beliefs of Islam. That is, unfortunately, most ungentlemanly. In a nutshell, the working-class revolution is over, and we now have to revert to the code of etiquette of our ancestors in order to preserve world peace.

Edmund Burke, Kingston upon Thames, England

Are the Prophet Muhammad's integrity and dignity so frail that he needs suicide murderers to defend his good name and reputation? Muhammad's and Jesus's and Buddha's honor stands on its own and is not damaged or exalted by the actions or omissions of others. Radicals of all denominations are all over freedom of speech and respect for religions and cultures until they disagree with what someone else says or does. What a bunch of whiney, hypocritical losers.

Tiffany, St. Louis, USA

I think the violent reaction comes with the territory, BUT the islamists should attempt to evaluate the merit of this award. I was of the impression that a certain Mr Wogan and Mr Jason brought the award of a 'knighthood' to an all time low and one that could not be reduced further. How wrong could I be, the selection of 'Dame Edna Everage' for an 'honour' seem to defy belief. Muslims do not be angered by Rushdie being elevated or lowered to a level equivalent to the afore-mentioned gentlemen. The award of a 'knighthood' or any other such honour, has long since been reduced to a tawdry relic of its previous status.

Mac, New town, UK

I am all for free speech but a novel does not constitute 'free speech.' A novel is FICTION. Salman decided to portray our prophet badly in his novel which he CREATED. It isn't free speech!

Free Speech: Muslims should learn to tolerate themselves because they are causing disturbances throughout the world.

Salman's "Free Speech": for e.g Jesus is a pop diva and loves PussyCat Dolls.

Salman CREATED a novel and thus, created his own blasphemous narrative in relation to Muhammed. Roald Dahl called him an 'opportunist' and that he certainly is. He caused public outcry in many countries and was protected by Britain's tax payers' money because he wanted to become famous by including defamatory sub-plots in his novel about Islam's main leader.

Pakistan's reaction is futile. It is embarrassing that fellow Muslims don't learn to protest peacefully instead of calling for bombs etc. I don't agree with Rushdie, nor Pakistan....nor the Knighthood which is grossly insulting.

Saiful Ali, Surrey, England

Jamie, drop the religious rhetoric... You gave up Father Christmas, isnt it time you did the same with christianity? The decision on Rushdie's knighthood should be based purely on his work as an author and his contributions to the literary community. If anything, he should be lauded as somebody who stood up against the belief that religion can't be questioned or made fun of or probed... Give the guy a knighthood!

Freddie, London,

Apparently 'Islam' means 'Peace' and 'Submission'.
Could someone tell the Pakistani government? cheers

Richard, Fleet, UK

I dont like any slander of any prophets. Unfortunately, Religous prophets & saints of many different faiths have been slandered in the past, may times & probably will be in the future. However, is it spiritually justified for religous people of any faith to respond to alleged blasphemy by punishing slanderers by death or terrorism?

Would Mohamed or Jesus or any other prophet want humans killed in their name for slander/blasphemy?
I doubt it !

Radical Islamists tendancy towards violence will only make the 80% of the world which is not muslim,
fear & distrust muslims even more ...
would peaceful protest not be better?

antonio singh, wolverhampton, uk

Whoever advised the prime minister and the Queen to bestow this knighthood really did not consider how controversal this would be.
It beggars belief how anyone with a bit of common sense would realise that this certainly will not help relationships with those of the Islamic faith and the tensions between the western countries and the middle east.

David Rumsby, London, United Kingdom

oh dear,Salman gets a knighthood and muslims are calling for suicide attacks.Iqbal Sacranie gets one earlier having called for the murder of a man who has dared to write a book (one that ill wager barely any muslims have actually read) and no-one bats a lid.And we are told its a religion of peace!Is this the 21st century or the 1st?These brutal childish pre-scientific monotheisms are a great way to futher the human endeavour indeed!
To paraphrase another British knight in one of his films:"Maybe you Nazis should try reading books instead of burning them"

Dan, London, GB

Good God, what a load of whingeing, hand-wringing 'progressive' claptrap has been posted here. It's about time they gave him a title and I wish they'd given religion in general, and god-botherers in particular, a big V. Religion of peace my arse; respect for religion my foot.

PLeon, London,

(1) We don't believe in THAT God.
(2) OUR God allows religious debate.
(3) We are ANGLO SAXON Christians NOT Muslims. And contrary to the belief of some, this is OUR country to honour who ever we please.

Who Cares what Pakistan thinks?

Not Me

Ben, London,

His book was pretty secondrate and would never have attracted attention if he hadnt been silly enough to attack the muslims. And his depiction of homosexual scenes involving Mohamed ( read the book, it is all there is dreary detail ) was rather unwise.

Narish, Hyderabad, India

Congratulations, Sir Salman. Your honour is richly deserved. The Pakistani and Iranian bullies should keep their noses out of our business.

Andy Gill, London, UK

It wouldn't have happened when "Mrs Torture" was Prime Minister - that's who leads Britain in "The Satanic Verses"

neil, ireland,

One guy wrote a book about the holocaust and now he is locked up in jail.

double standards, London, UK

Gee, if I killed everyone who disagreed with me, there wouldn't be many folks left. To kill or imprison artists and writers because of their work is barbaric. To kill those with no involvement at all, as suicide bombers do, is an abomination.

David, Washington , DC

Well, if you really believe that Rushdie will have to explain himsellf before your God, why not leave it for the two of them to sort out.
Don t be so sure you know what your God thinks.

dhrowlands, cardiff, uk

Alan Johnson will pay the price for this crass award. I hope I am proved wrong.

Terry , Radstock, England

In short, don't call us extremists or terrorists or we will blow you up in the name of our god. Priceless!

Shaun Phillips, Gunchester, UK

The British have the right to deem a honor to anyone they wish. Muslims have a right to protest this decision but to argue for suicide bombing as a retaliation only reveals
hatred not just protest.

Dan R Sparkman, Yokohama, Japan

Just as we have a right to free speech, Sir Salman has a right to his views and I have a right to my views. Free speech and personal views don't kill people. If there are those that would disagree with others, let them argue. Once again, the power of the pen has proved it's might over the sword.

Frederick D Brookes, Stafford, England

Instead of protesting, muslims should feel proud that the highest honour this country can give has been bestowed on a muslim.

Vinay Mehra, Purley, Surrey

Well done Blair you have revived the wrath of Islam and could well have succeeded in getting Rushdie killed this time. It just reinforces my view as to how absolutely ridiculous this honours thing of ours is and brings further contempt on those who are given these outdated awards.

alan, warks, uk

This statement by the Pakistani minister (if true) is direct incitement to acts of terror, not to mention - yet again - disproportionate and illogical rhetoric. Britain is free to honour its artists, who are themselves free to express their imagination in writing or any other form. Speak up please, any muslim with sense and moseration against this backward obscurantist outburst. Defend free speech and expression and refuse to countenance lunatic firebrands.

JL, London,

How can a prophet of GOD be insulted by a mere human being ? What is an insult anyway ? How can mere words offend any deity--they are divine and immensely superior, surely. They don't need killings to make them feel better do they ? Killings are a human weakness I would have thought.

Edward Johns, Lannion, France

Rushdie IS a hero. He is an excellent author and a bulwark against religious tyranny. You cannot call for someone's head every time you disagree with what they say. Get over it!!! If you disagree with what he is saying then don't read his work.

This world has too much religion.

Steve, Irvine, CA

Last time I checked Britain was still a country with freedom of speech. This sort of (excuse the pun) incendiary rhetoric is absolutely laughable. Causing offence is enough to justify murder? What an infantile attitude.

Bella T, Smethwick,

Why are we allied with such people?

I understand the realpolitik of countries who dislike each other neverthelass working together on a specific objective beneficial to both. But I reserve the use of the word "allies" for countries which share similar values and world views and who can disagree yet remain committed to the same fundamental values without burning each other's leaders in effigy.

Bill Limbacher, Cincinnati, USA

It shouldn't take a genius to see that honouring Salman Rushie was going to cause uproar. If members of the public were to be killed in suicide attacks as a result, would it really be worth it?!

N Grant, NRW, Germany

I think most civilized people, including most Muslims, will have only one reaction to these hardliners.

Grow up.

Z S, London,

Pakistani Minister inspires Religious hatred of Salman Rushdie - Can we extradite him?

Andy, L, UK

I was all for the extensive police protection that Salman Rushdie was afforded following the fatwa that was issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomein. It showed the world that freedom of expression was a core British value, and no amount of intimidation by a government or community could question that.

Yet, it seem to make little sense to award a knighthood to a man, who clearly offended, whether rightly or wrongly, many people. At the very least it has damaged the PR campaign launched by the Blair government to reach out to moderate Muslim across the world. And at the very worst it has strengthened the hand of extremists, who seek to indoctrinate young Muslims that the ‘west’ is out to destroy their religion.

Eric, London,

I was not a great admirer Sir Salman but I am now.

Robert, Derby, Derbyshire

Dr Bari should concentrate on modernising the image of Islam instead of taking it back to 'the burn the infidel' nonsense that ignorants want to hear. Shame. Another step back from British Muslim modernity. Clearly Muslims only like free speech when the Prophet has been insulted; anyone critiquing Islam is an enemy to be killed. Join the real world and do something positive related to real Islamic issues like Sudan. Where is the unity and outrage there?

AB, London, UK

Nothing more clearly illustrates the backward, primitive nature of Islam then the procession of veiled threats towards the West whenever it does something which Muslims disapprove. We're the religion of peace they claim. Do what we say - otherwise we'll blow you up!

Richard, London, UK

Withdraw the Knighthood. It is a clear provocation to the Muslim world. What a shame!

Sam Danso, London, England

Will Britain protest, expell Pakistan's ambassador, make a statement? The world is watching.

Em Hawthorne, Ottawa, CAN

Here we go again. I hope that the Government has the good sense not to give concessions when faced with this intimidating behaviour. There is plenty of evidence that giving in to bullies only encourages them to make further demands.

These people may be offended by Rushdie, but their repeated attempts to interfere with the right of free speech have offended me mightily. The difference is that I will not join a violent demonstration or threaten another person's life.

However, we should all speak out in favour of free speech. We cannot afford to remain silent. We must let our politicians know that we expect them to defend free speech and they should not be cowed by any form blackmail.

John Bohan, Liverpool, UK

Why on earth was Rushdie awarded a knighthood? The whole honours system is farcical, especially now that, as we had always suspected, we know they can be bought. It is said there was even serious thought given to awarding a knighthood to David Beckham. Heaven help us!

Phil Linehan, Mexico City, Mexico

How many of this people have even read the book? I am sure none of them has!

To any fundamentalist reading this post, read the book for yourself and then make your own judgement

Kiarie, Ulm, Germany

Hi Fellow Muslims,
Get a life. Stop getting offended at anything and everything. What would if Prophet Muhammed (PUBH) was alive would do. How would He react to some preceived insults.
It is about time for the Muslim World to stop fighting Colonialism. That world is over. Be nice.

Shahid Hussain, Saint Louis, USA

If anyone still has any doubts about just how dangerous Islamic teaching and beliefs are, just take on board the reaction of Pakistani government officials to our new Knight, Salman Rushdie. I am unqualified to comment on the literary merit of his writing but to suggest that recognition of this writer's contribution justifies the indiscriminate murder of innocent citizens by fanatical extremists who strap explosives on their backs in the name of Islam is unacceptable and indefensible.

Keith Downer, London, UK

"He has lived under police protection since the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini of Iran pronounced a fatwa (death sentence) on him . . ."
Fatwa doesn't mean "death sentence". It means a ruling or opinion. 5 seconds on google would have told you this. Congratulations Jenny Booth, Joanna Sugden and Stewart Tendler on your thoroughly researched piece.

Joe Lakeman, Bournemouth, UK

Well, well, let's make him a Lord and give them something really big to fuss about.

JF, Canterbury, UK

What can one say in the face of such virulent extremism? I never read Satanic Verses but whether it is blasphemeous or not is not really the point. Calling for the murder of someone because of their beliefs, or loss or belief, or because they do not share your beliefs or do not share your interpretation of what is sacred or not is not the act of a truly devout person. I am sure that the Prophet would counsel pity not murder for someone in Rushdie's position.

Whether Muslims like it or not the west does not share some of their core values. We regard freedom of speech as a basic right. Christians may deplore those who take Christ's name in vain but they do not, as a rule, wish them dead. In the west it is not a crime punishable by death to decide you no longer share the faith of your parents. Unless Islam curbs its hysterical response to any perceived slight then the chances of us coexisting peacefully seems increasingly remote.

Kevin, Kent,

Multiculturalism anyone ?

Please, speak up, I want to know what multiculturalists suggest we do about this.

jasper, chelmsford,

I think that what the Pakistanis and Muslims worldwide need to realise is that we in the west ,including of course the UK, value very highly the democratic right "Freedom of Speech" and that includes the right for us as a nation to choose who we give awards to without outside interference . There is no way on this earth that we are going to give up that freedom for anyone, not least to violent threats or demonstrations. If they (the agitators) have a [proper case against Rushdie then take it to Court, but do not expect us to live by "your" rules or give up or right to free speech and to live how WE want to in our own Country.

Adrian, London, UK

David Irving wrote a book making fun of Jewish holocaust and he got locked up in jail.

Salman Rushdie wrote a book making fun of Islamic religion and he gets a knighthood.

Freedom of speech?

Stanzler, NY, US

so now that Sir Salman is once more being actively targeted for death because of his book on the life of Mohammad - people in my office were wondering whether the monty python team following the success of the life of Brian will do their movie treatment for Mohammad. The department consensus at my univeristy was that it's probably best to stick with the well tested and albeit worn Jesus jokes.

anthony duggins, cambridge, England

What has he done to deserve this 'honour' ? What service to literature ? Who decided this ? Why now ? While we should never pander to the screaming mobs it woudl help sometimes to think about timing ...and what real value to the world this brings.

Bryan Jackson, Hinckley , UK

How can any society reward somebody for insulting a Prophet of GOD ? It just does not make sense. Well Rushdie is cosidered a hero in this world but one day he will stand before his lord and he will have to expalin himself.

jamie, london,

My enemy's enemy is my friend?

It's quite sad because a very large majority of British Muslims like myself
truely respect and honour our Queen.

Mohammed, UK, London