Charlie Hebdo steady- features Prophet, creates anger

Charlie Hebdo’s decision to depict the Prophet Mohammed on its front cover today has angered Muslims around the world who called it a renewed insult to their religion.

Around three million copies of the French satirical newspaper hit the stands this week for the first since the terror attack on its office which killed 12 people.

The front cover showed a weeping Mohammed, holding a sign reading ‘I am Charlie’ with the words ‘All is forgiven’ above him.

Such was its immediate popularity, the print run has since been increased to five million after issues sold out within minutes.

Copies have since been changing hands on eBay for three-figure sums as customers rush to get their hands on the edition.

But many Muslims believe their faith forbids depictions of the prophet and reacted with dismay – and occasionally anger – to the latest cover image. Some felt their expressions of solidarity with Charlie Hebdo after last week’s attack had been rebuffed, while others feared the cartoon would trigger yet more violence.

US President Barack Obama wanted to attend the Paris anti-terror march but could not due to security considerations, the White House said  acknowledging that a high level dignitary should have attended the rally of over a million people.
For the past few day particular Republicans, for not sending a high level American leader to attend the Paris march, the White House has been criticised by many, in h in the aftermath of the Islamist attacks in the French capital.
Noting that there was a remarkable display of unity by the French people in response to the terror attack, the White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest, told media that the US should have sent someone with a higher profile for the anti-terror rally in Paris, which was attended by the US Ambassador to France. Obama, would himself have liked to have an opportunity to attend the Paris march, which was being held outdoors and being attended by millions of people.But there were security considerations and challenges, Earnest said, adding that the short notice at which it was organised was also one of the factors. “We here at the White House agree that somebody with a higher profile should have also included,” he said. Referring to the large turnout of people for the Paris march he said this was a “remarkable display of unity” by the French people in the face of these terrible terror attacks. “The way that that country has come together, I do think struck a chord and inspired people all across the world and throughout this country. It was a remarkable display. There were also a number of other world leaders who were there to participate and show their support as well. And some have asked whether or not the United States should have sent someone with a higher profile than the ambassador to France.  And I think it’s fair to say that we should have sent someone with a higher profile to be there,” he said.

“Had the circumstances been a little bit different, I think the president himself would have liked to have had the opportunity to be there,” Earnest said.