The web site http://www.sorrynorwaydenmark.com/ has attracted attention as a voice of moderation from the Muslim world.
The website www.sorrynorwaydenmark.com has a clear message from the moderate Arab and Muslim world.
The web site argues that the images of Arab and Muslim wrath at the publication of caricatures of the prophet Mohammed seen around the world are not representative of what Muslims at large feel, and apologizes for and condemns acts of violence against Denmark, Norway and the European Union.
"A group of Arab and Muslim youth who live in Arab nations and other places are behind the web site," Ahmad, one of the founders of the site, told Aftenposten.no. "None of us live in Denmark or Norway. We have no other direct connection to these countries other than that some of us have friends there," Ahmad said.
Ahmad said that the group behind the site is diverse and far from in agreement about everything, but that they felt a strong need to do something after seeing the various violent reactions to the caricatures.
"Because of the oppression of authorities and lack of freedom, many in the Muslim world are afraid to say what they mean. So the stage is left to those who scream loudest and are violent," Ahmad said.
The web site was at first visited primarily by Arabs and Muslims but as word spread it also became a point of interest for European web surfers.
"The response has been fantastic. Our inboxes are overflowing with email of support and thanks from Arabs and Muslims, and also from Europeans and Americans," Ahmad told Aftenposten.no.
"We never thought we would get so much attention, we just wanted to ask for peace and understanding."
Ahmad said that the group shrugs off the few negative reactions they have received.
"We believe that this web site is proof that people always prefer to see things from the positive side and that they, regardless of race and religion, want peace and respect," Ahmad said.
Source: Aften-posten (English)
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