POPE ON THE HOT SEAT?

Well he did it – pissed off the entire Muslim nation, or at least the vocal part of it. Now they demand an apology, and I hope he doesn’t make one, despite what his diplomats are telling him. So far all he's said is he's sorry his words offended, which is not like owning it.

Is it possible Benedict has really screwed up the courage to take on the Muslim world, challenge it and precipitate constructive dialogue? Wouldn’t that be wonderful. There seems to be a growing sentiment – probably fueled by that absurd cartoon furor – the world is no longer willing to tip toe around the too sensitive feelings of any organized religion, especially when it wants to explode with he first convenient spark.