Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

"The attack, which Pakistan officials said was incited by a radical Islamic group, came after rumors that some Christians had desecrated a Quran, an act Muslims regard as sacrilege.

"The violence drew condemnation Monday from the prime minister and the pope, a chilling reminder of how religious extremism has left minority religious groups in the country increasingly vulnerable."

Christians in Pakistan make up only 5 percent of the Pakistan population of 175 million people.

Tragically religious extremism has made Christians along with other minorities a target.  Take, for example, that earlier this summer in the Kasur area of Pakistan, Muslims set fire to dozens of Christian homes, as reported by local news accounts.

The Associated Press article revealed:

"In March, the Taliban issued an ultimatum to the leaders of more than 25 Sikh families in a tribal region near the Afghan border, convert to Islam and join the Jihad or pay 5 billion rupees -- roughly $62 million -- for protection.

"Officials said the carnage in Gojra was spearheaded by members of the banned Sunni Muslim extremist group Sipah-e Sahaba Pakistan, which more frequently targets minority Shiite Muslims."

There was a totally different opinion of the Pakistan bloodbath:

"Shabbat alleged that a peaceful rally of Muslims to protest the incident was passing by the Christian neighborhood Saturday when the Christians fired shots at its participants.

"'This triggered the violence,' he said, calling the killing that ensued 'un-Islamic.'  Hameed, however, said mosque prayer leaders Saturday stirred the pot by calling for every Christian to be killed.  Christians repeatedly sought police help but to no avail, he said."

There has been a helpful response to the terrible tragedy of such horrendous death and destruction.

Shahbaz Bhatti, the federal minister for minorities, said last Monday that the Pakistan government would rebuild homes and provide other financial assistance for victims of this tragedy.  

The slow response of the police to these people pleading for help was harshly criticized.  The slow response of the police will not be overlooked. Police will be held accountable.

It is primitive barbarism for any individual or any religion to attempt to force anyone to accept their viewpoint through threats and violence.