Disturbing news on CNN today....

Pakistan - Riots escalating in the cities of Pakistan resulting in loss of lives and income for the people who need it most.

Riots have been occuring since the outburst of the cartoons published in a Danish paper last year. And now, it is just getting worse. Blasphemous. That is what CNN drescribed. Korean businesses and American business are targeted now. It seems anything foreign and non-muslim is attacked. They destroy food supplies and burn flags and pictures of Bush and Rasmussen depicted as dogs.

Relief efforts for victims of last year's South Asia quake

On the other hand, the people of Pakistan living in the quake zone are suffering the impact of the harsh winter weather, lack of food and job and loss of their loved ones. THey need help and they would do anything reasonable to feed their families and carry on living.

Both issues may not be directly related. Yet, I think that education is a key factor. Progression and choosing the right channel to address their concerns are ideas in my mind. For example, the entire episode of the cartoons is an example of differences in culture and mindset. While the Danes believe in freedom of speech and expression, the Muslims hold strongly to their faith. The Danes have done something which does not contradict their beliefs. Yet it is not the case for the Muslims. THe Muslims voiced their disapproval and the Danish paper has apologised and the person involved has been given the appropriate treatment and lesson. Yet, emotions are getting the best of the people now. Or is it a window where terrorists are making use of to stir up unwanted negative emotions?

If the Muslims want to make a statement, they could file the case with an international court and settle it legally. The end result would definitely make a point to the entire world to be more sensitive in their expressions. The current situation only causes hurt to the human race which I believe is not part of the teachings of the religion. I wonder if they see the point or are they simply affected by their emotions such that they are not able to contemplate the course of actions logically.

One group of people have what they need to lead a basic life, while the other group is struggling to live the next minute. And they all belong to the same faith and religion. It is really such an irony that they are not helping one another get on with life, instead, their actions simply imply the lack of logic and focus. I wonder what the government is doing?

Would education be an element which would help them make the right decisions? Would education have helped them think through their situation and work out the alternatives logically and sensibly? And perhaps diplomatically?