I think that Latheefa Koya ( Muslims being blamed without evidence ) had missed the point in the harm caused by Mahfuz Omar's statement over the Bali bombings.

The world has always been unfair  to be trite: all are born equal but some are more equal than others.

The US, like it or not, is the superpower; and as such different rules apply to them. On the other hand, smaller nations, like Malaysia, political parties and non-governmental organisations, will have to build up credibility before the world or anyone can take them seriously (do you take the ramblings in Parliament seriously, for example)?

Everyone is entitled to his or her view, but what distinguishes a good view and a bad one is the cogency, veracity and probability of the argument. Yes, it is possible that the US may have a hand in the bombings. But is it probable?

On the other hand, fundamentalist Islamic militants have time and again shown that they are capable of causing great, wanton and indiscriminate destruction to those that they perceive to be a threat to their way of life (unless this is another US conspiracy!).

Of course we do not have to play the game if we feel that the playing field is not fair, but we would then be left with isolation as our only playing field, and our causes unheard and unmoved. This is not a call for a compromise of principles but rather to be clear-sighted.

If there is any compromise it is that we should not fall into the same trappings that have befallen the US to adopt an 'us against the world' stance, and blaming everyone else for the world's problems. Just because everyone (US) is doing it, doesn't mean that we should.