In a remarkable move, the media in Jordan has demonstrated that it is ready to put aside the usual consideration of competing for public attention by getting the most dramatic story, to stand united and speak in one loud voice against the greatest affront of all: the unbridled attack on our beloved Prophet Muhammed (pbuh).

This is unprecedented and historic. What started off as an informal discussion at the offices of Fact International has snowballed into a campaign that has had a global impact. The concern was about what should the response be to the Danish cartoons and more specifically, about finding a new way of responding. The usual reaction to any kind of attack on Islam and Muslims was often counterproductive. Embassies were attacked, people killed or injured and a great deal of emotional outpouring in the media. It was time for a change.

All the major media players were invited to a brain-storming session to find a new way. It was agreed that the Danish newspapers had unleashed a media war. The logical response is for the media to take up the gauntlet and enter this war. However it was agreed that our media will not act unethically and will be bound by the code of decency and respect and will act strictly within the confines of the law. The Danish newspapers had transgressed the cardinal principal of respecting religious freedom.

Denmark claims that it cannot do anything to curb the repulsive actions of its media because the publication of the cartoons is protected by the laws relating to freedom of expression. This is complete nonsense. Every country knows that freedom of expression is not absolute. That is why in many countries in Europe you could end up serving a long term in jail if you were to state that fewer Jews were killed by Hitler than the claimed 6 million. Commenting negatively on something that happened 60 years ago is classed as Holocaust denial and is regarded as a very serious crime. Noted British author David Irving was sentenced to three years in jail for questioning the Holocaust. No newspaper will ever think of publishing an article that refutes any part of the prevailing narrative on the Holocaust. Freedom of expression does not apply here. Such is the hypocrisy.

Remarkably, those who are most sensitive to any criticism of the Holocaust are in the vanguard of the War on Islam. Daniel Pipes is an American Jew who is closely linked with the editor of the newspaper that first commissioned the cartoons.

The media in Jordan has rallied to the cause of defending Islam with admirable commitment. Wednesday is a day of unity and solidarity. The media has shown true leadership. This is the first time that a common standpoint has been endorsed by all, with no reservations from any quarter whatsoever.

The media has a very important role to play in galvanizing public opinion. This can then be mobilized and channeled into positive action. People’s power can be creatively directed to confront the enemies of Islam.

Jordan’s media has inspired the entire region and the Muslim world that the Ummah will not stand idly any longer while its greatest symbol is being vilified.
Well done, Jordan media, you make us proud