Resolve is needed in war of ideas; right to self-expression must prevail

Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 | 2:01 a.m.

A few weeks removed from the terrorist attacks in Paris, we are still struck by the tragedy and how the world has responded. There is a clear division between those who support the basic human right of freedom of expression and those who don’t.

First, there were marches in Paris, London and other cities by the millions of people who took to the streets to peacefully protest the terrorist acts. Marchers held signs that read “Je suis Charlie” — I am Charlie — in support of Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical magazine that was targeted by radical Islamic terrorists.

Then, there were the counterprotests in several Muslim countries that brought violent reactions. Protesters burned French flags and condemned the satirical magazine because it lampooned Islam and featured often-crass drawings labeled as the Prophet Muhammad. In the Muslim world, images of the prophet are considered blasphemy.

Many commentators in the Western world have struggled to make sense of it all. No one wants to offend peace-loving Muslims or become targets of radical terrorists, so some of the discussion has been stilted. Instead of addressing this issue directly, too many people have instead focused on Charlie Hebdo, which seems to be an equal-opportunity offender. The amount of consternation about the magazine’s content has been astounding.

Let’s be clear: The violence didn’t come from Charlie Hebdo; it came from the terrorists and their supporters. The distinction is important.

We understand that the difference between satire and sacrilege is a matter of opinion, and we’re not fans of those who mock religion as a form of sport, but no one should condone violence over this.

We have heard commentators say it is best for people to avoid offending Muslims, and although we understand the argument, that would create a dangerous precedent. Would people then be forced to not say or draw anything that could be perceived as offensive about other religions? Or how about politicians or political parties? Or maybe anything that could be offensive about anybody?

That is ridiculous, but that is the situation the world may find itself in if the terrorists, who want to stop the basic right to freedom of expression, win.

The attacks in Paris provided a defining moment. It has never been more clear that this is not just a war on terrorism being fought with guns; it is a war of ideas.

At its heart, this is a war on freedom, and that is one of the reasons America has taken the leading role in this. This country is weary of war, but the attacks in Paris provide a new call for leadership.

This isn’t necessarily a call for more troops or more attacks. It’s a call for resolve. What we saw in the anti-Charlie Hebdo protests around the world is that there are millions of people who see no human right to self-expression. (The irony that they were protesting while doing it shouldn’t be lost on anyone.)

But this is far more serious than irony. The United States was built on the right to self-expression, and as a nation, we can’t let that slip.

What the world needs is a show of resolve that the basic human right will be supported by the United States and that this particularly vile brand of terrorism won’t be allowed to stand, no matter who is offended.