Meanwhile, Over At NRO...

THOSE CARTOONS (CONTINUED) [Andrew Stuttaford]

"The row rumbles on. Norway’s (fairly new and very regrettable) leftwing government has now apologized to Muslims for any offense caused by the decision of a Norwegian publication to republish the controversial cartoons first published in Denmark. Here’s what the foreign minister had to say:
“I am sorry that the publication of a few cartoons in the Norwegian paper Magazinet has caused unrest among Muslims. I fully understand that these drawings are seen to give offence by Muslims worldwide. Islam is a spiritual reference point for a large part of the world. Your faith has the right to be respected by us.The cartoons in the Christian paper Magazinet are not constructive in building the bridges which are necessary between people with different religious and ethnic backgrounds. Instead they contribute to suspicion and unnecessary conflict.Let it be clear that the Norwegian government condemns every expression or act which expresses contempt for people on the basis of their religion or ethnic origin. Norway has always supported the fight of the UN against religious intolerance and racism, and believes that this fight is important in order to avoid suspicion and conflict. Tolerance, mutual respect and dialogue are the basis values of Norwegian society and of our foreign policy. Freedom of expression is one of the pillars of Norwegian society. This includes tolerance for opinions that not everyone shares. At the same time our laws and our international obligations enforce restrictions for incitement to hatred or hateful expressions.”
What, exactly, does he mean by that last sentence?
Denmark’s government, by contrast, is continuing to show that it understands the meaning of free expression. Naturally, therefore, the Saudi regime, which knows a thing or two about hate speech, has recalled its ambassador to Copenhagen for “consultations.”

The Danes should not allow him back."
Via (as usual on this topic) the Brussels Journal.

"Tolerance, mutual respect, and dialogue..." With bloodthirsty, savage killers. Yeah right. Bend over a little more.