Burning sacred books unacceptable, whether Torah, Bible, or Quran
Jerusalem PostJul 16, 2023
Iraqi protesters, reportedly angered by Quran burnings in Sweden, stormed and set fire to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad early Thursday.
Videos posted on social media show protesters climbing over the embassy’s fence, and waving flags and signs supporting the Iraqi Shiite cleric and political leader Muqtada Sadr.
While freedom of expression is sacred, it must be balanced against the destruction of public peace caused by burning religious texts. Regardless of religion or intention, Swedish authorities must make the right decision and end the diplomatic chaos caused by their acceptance of controversial behavior.
The overwhelming majority of Swedes are not against banning the burning of religious texts such as the Quran; however, the reality remains clear that multiculturalism has failed in Sweden. The issue is not a lack of understanding of Swedish culture, but an apparent refusal to conform and cooperate with the country's way of life. The sooner the government accepts this reality and reacts accordingly, the better.
Burning the Quran may not be morally correct, but that doesn’t mean it should be banned. Sweden, and all free societies, must protect the ability to express even contemptible ideas and actions. Burning religious texts should be both protected by the government and denounced by citizens for the sake of free speech and civil society.
There's a 95% chance that Sweden will join NATO before 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.