Victory for Terrorism

Random House, a major book publisher in the US, has cancelled a contract with author Sherry Jones because her book, "Jewel of Medina," might have offended some Muslims. The book is a historical novel about the life of A'isha, the 12th wife of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad.

http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/08/16/news/local/news04.txt

This is a clear victory for Islamic Fanatics and terrorists because they have managed to censor the free-speech of someone else, and negatively impact the literary career of someone simply through the fear of how a minority of Muslims MIGHT react when offended. A small minority has dictated the choices made by a major book publisher. Islamic fanatics have managed to instill enough fear in not only the population, but also publishers to make them think twice about publishing something that may be offensive to "Muslims."

If Ms. Jones decides to publish the book herself (ie. through Lulu or some other self-publisher), I would buy the book simply BECAUSE Random House caved to possible pressure.