Clash of Civilations?

In the early 90's a social scientist by the name of Samuel Huntington outlined what he thought was the source of global conflict--religion--as a social theory in an article for Foreign Affairs. The article and his theory were called "Clash of Civilizations?"

I don't necessarily buy into this theory. I think it's hard to peg entire religious groups, cultures and civilizations with sweeping characterizations and totally disregard the individual.

That being said, I do think that there are areas where we can all learn to be a bit more sensitive especially when we're talking about religion. This article just crossed the AP wire today about a French magazine that is now effectively banned in much of northern Africa because of the way it portrayed Islam's prophet, Muhammad.

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) -- Officials say Algeria and Tunisia have banned this week's issue of a French magazine deemed prejudicial to Islam. That follows Morocco, which banned the magazine L'Express International last week.

The cover story in question is titled "The Jesus-Muhammad Shock," which is also the name of a book by one of the magazine's chief editors.

Algerian officials said Monday the cover story is "pro-Bible" and breaks Muslim rules by representing the face of Islam's prophet Muhammad. Tunisian officials would not comment. All three North African countries have seen a rise in Islamic extremism.

The French newsweekly's Web site said it didn't understand why it had been banned, since pains had been taken to adhere to Islamic norms, notably by covering Muhammad's face with a white veil.