To the Point

Furor over Cartoons Mocking Prophet Mohammed

Last September, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten challenged cartoonists to draw the Prophet Mohammed, claiming it wanted to test whether the artists would censor themselves due to fear of violence from radical Islamic immigrants. Islamic clerics then circulated the drawings in Muslim countries, reportedly adding cartoons that were much more offensive than the originals. In Europe itself, re-publication in the name of press freedom has sparked Islamic protests that, in turn, have provoked anti-immigrant nationalism, and angry demonstrations, including violence and death threats, have spread to the Middle East, Indonesia and Africa. Why are the drawings so offensive? Is freedom of the press unlimited or does it require restraint? Is multicultural sensitivity really capitulation to religious extremists? Making News: Attorney General Gonzales Faces Senate Panel on Domestic SpyingAttorney General Alberto Gonzales told the Senate Judiciary Committee today that both the law and the Constitution permit electronic surveillance of Americans without a court order. Some of the toughest questions came from Republican Committee Chair Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania who said surveillance without a court order is against the law. Mark Hosenball watched the proceedings for Newsweek magazine. Reporter's Notebook: Referees Play Critical Role in Super Bowl's OutcomeStatistics show that the Seattle Seahawks outplayed the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday by holding the ball longer and gaining more yards, but the Steelers came away with a 21-to-10 victory. NFL critics around the country are saying they can thank the officials. John Lindsay, sports reporter for Scripps Howard News Service, has more on the lingering controversy over yesterday's game and its officiating.