As I have written previously, clumsy attempts distinguish between the Rushdie and cartoon affairs fell by the wayside after Rushdie signed the proclamation to the contrary. Now Agora posted a translation of a Danish article entitled"The Satanic Precedent of the Muhammed Cartoons" written by Helle Merete Brix. It details the development and escalation of the Rushdie affairs. One cannot read it without noting the similarities with the Cartoon Jihad. Both started by local agitation and ended up causing widespread demonstrations in the Muslim world and were supported by the Organization of Islamic States. It is a must read.

Still, there are important differences. Then, the left stood by Rushdie. Trade relations were not affected and the American press published the book which became a best seller. Others acquitted themselves as poorly has they have done today.

All in all, food for thought and a good reason to sign the 12 writers' manifesto.