When we were discussing Islam and its tacit tolerance of the riots that have come to pass over the recent Danish cartoon fiasco, one blogger suggested that Indonesia was a model of Muslim tolerance and a refutation of the idea that Islam is by and large a destructive force.

I would be interested to have that same individual explain to me why it is that the government of Indonesia is urging Danes to leave the country (Link ). Why they do not stick up for the rights of these citizens, who had nothing at all to do with the publication of these cartoons. Why these individuals in an allegedly "free" society would have reason to feel endangered.

Right now, Islam has a tarnished reputation. Its tarnished reputation has come about, not because of the murderous thugs that act in its name, but because of the religious leaders who sit in stone faced silence and what appears to be tacit approval as these acts occur.

Religious leaders obviously have influence over their faith. The Islamic rioting could be quelched by sane words from united Muslim leaders across the globe. But their silence gives any reasonable critic reason to question their motives. While defenders of Islam will decree that many leaders did, in fact, condemn the 9/11 hijackings, it is important to note that most did NOT do so in the days and weeks following, while Muslims rallied in the streets in condemnation of the United States and in support of this atrocious act of terrorism. They did so MONTHS later, when the viability of their faith, and indeed, of their countries became suspect in light of a country that was looking for an enemy. In other words, they did it only to cover their posteriors.

If Indonesia wants to maintain its reputation as an Islamic paradise, as certain individuals have claimed it to be, then Indonesia needs to take the lead in controlling acts of violence by Muslims against those they hate.