Muslim protest at Paris book fair
Frances Harrison, BBC, UK - The Paris book fair has become the subject of controversy; several Muslim countries have announced boycotts because the guest of honor is Israel. 39 Israeli writers are honored, including well-known figures like David Grossman and Amos Oz. Organizers say it is a coincidence that this happens to be the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence. They claim their aim is to honor literature, not trigger a political row about the state of Israel. Indeed, they argue that many of the Israeli writers involved support the idea of Palestinian statehood.
Comments (1)
I find it so sad that these Arab countries are choosing to not only sit out from the dialogue, but are in essence cutting it off all-together my sitting out from it. They are completely disregarding the content and ideas in the literature being honored, instead choosing to be reactive.
While I don't in any support Israel's militarism, I think having them at a conference with so many Arab countries who support the Palestinian cause would be great for facilitating dialogue and understanding. They are, as I see it, losing a profound opportunity for positive impact.
shame.
Posted by roshi | March 4, 2008 3:49 PM