The last chance to stop the clash: A case study on cartoon controversy

Using cartoon controversy as a precedent, this paper describes the urgency to address the clash between the two cultural fault lines; freedom of expression, and freedom of religion (religious sensitivity). This paper also covers relevant literature on the outset of freedom in the social contract theory. This research applies critical method to understand the clash between freedom of expression and freedom of religion as a clash of civilization. It then notes the political and religious effects of this clash on the Western and the Islamic civilization. Lastly, this paper attempts to find the limits to free speech and ways to implement them. In response to this last point, the paper found that laws similar to the prohibition of anti-Semitism should be formulated and implemented. However; it is pointed out that such a law would not protect or promote Islamic values but prevent a deadly clash between the West and Islam.