MUSLIMS ORGANIZE TERRORISM PROTEST

(Oslo, Norway) The fallout from the savage murder of Dutch film maker Theo Van Gogh has raised the level of debate concerning Islam throughout Europe. Outrage in Norway has prompted some Muslims to act.

Muslims in Norway were organizing a torchlit parade through downtown Oslo this weekend, to decry violence and terrorism and distance themselves from Islamic fundamentalism. Top Norwegian political leaders, including the prime minister, were joining in.

March organizers were hoping for a big turnout, and welcomed the participation of non-Muslims as well. The leaders of Norway's major political parties and top government leaders said they would join the march and several were invited to speak during Saturday's event.

The march was to begin at the square in front of Oslo's central train station at 4:30pm, and proceed up Karl Johans Gate to the Parliament. Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik was among those scheduled to speak to the crowd, along with Justice Minister Odd Einar D�rum, Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) journalist Norman Mubashir and Labour Party leader Jens Stoltenberg.

Muslim leaders have called for wide support from the Muslim community in denouncing terrorism and terrorist tactics. Unfortunately, there are some leaders who sympathize with the murderers of Van Gogh so the Islamists are essentially at odds with each other. The disagreement is still only at the talking stage.

With the country's population at less than 5 million, Norway is an interesting laboratory to monitor how the Muslim and non-Muslim conflict plays out.