A surprising piece from the Guardian in an era of political correctness - mercifully now on the wane - when it is considered unacceptable, if not inadvisable, to applaud Christianity.

It is quite extraordinary that you should call Julie Burchill an Islamophobe on the basis of that article and quite unbelievable considering we live in a Christian democracy.

One can only conclude that MPACUK consider all disbelievers in their God and Prophet to be "Islamophobes" - should such a nonsensical condition exist.

I think it's perfectly acceptable to criticise Julie Burchill's views. I'm sure that many here would find them abhorent.

However, what value doe the terms "Rubenesque" and "Rotund" add to the debate?

Are these pieces being written by a 12 year old?

Is this what MPAC is all about? Insults instead of debate? It's hardly surprising that many Muslims find MPACs attempts at "activism" unpalatable.

Like Habib, I was intrigued by your columist's erudite terminology to Decribe Bichill. What does 'Rubeneasque' mean to the average MPACUKer without a good knowledge of Art History, and as for rotund - rather Dickensian don't you think? Why not just say 'fat' or even 'obese' so that we all know immediately what the El Greco-ish or diaphanous columnist means, which is that fat writers tend to express views unfavourable to Anti-Zionists? By the way, she describes herself as Christian Zionist whereas I am an Atheist anti-Christian Zionist! Complicated isn't it? Anyone go one better; a pro-Zionist Muslim for instance?

Burchill is blatantly seeking to demonize the Muslim other. Her comments, founded on ignorance so breathe taking it defies reason, deserve to be derided in every way possible. This is someone who looks on Zionism as a lifestyle choice and bigotry and hatred as a means of courting noteriety and hence cash. Rotund? She is an obese, decadent slab of meat. On the billboard chart of brainless tubs of lard, she is the jukebox #1 jelly bucket!

So, was Burchill incorrect in her observation concerning the abuse of women in muslim countries? Of course she was not. And good for her!

what is shocking that she saw justice being claimed for women by another injustice.

curious stance indeed for a christian zionist / socialist / feminist, sorry for a self proclaimed christian.

maybe this provides an insight into the state of christianity, christian zionists/feminists/socialists in this day and age where any sense of justice and morality is lost in the greater cause of demonising muslims and islam.

Ha ha ha!

What an amazing peice of satirical journalism. Really. I love the psuedointellectualism of 'rubenesque' (surname mixed with francaise) and 'rotund' (synonym of fat). This stuff mixed in with a few scare quotes around journalist makes for wonderful comedy. Too funny.

And then it continues into the combox with 'Julaybib Ayoub' refering to her as a mere slab of meat. But maybe this is pushing the humour too far. A commentator with a Middle Eastern name dehumanizing a woman? That's too close to reality for my tastes.

"So, was Burchill incorrect in her observation concerning the abuse of women in muslim countries?" It wasn't an "observation". It was a vile, hyperbolic simile, utterly distorting of reality, at the same time making cold light of the torture of Muslim prisoners. Muslim nations were first in the modern world to employ 50% women doctors due to demands by Muslim women. The simplistic bifurcation that implies Muslim men oppress women and non-Muslims liberate them is a ludicrous simplification of reality. The oppression of women is a universal problem - look at the UK's sad record on rape convictions, domestic violence, equal pay, the continuance of monogendered workplaces, etc. The West has a long tradition of using the Muslim world to distract attention from its own deeply problematic societies, here reaffirmed by the bloodless Burchill.

What she said in The Guardian was friendly to Islam when you compare it to her new book, Not In My Name. The stuff in that book is REALLY Islamophobic.

It would be better for hypocrites to look at the societies they live in and socities they have sympathies with.
For muslims first of all a womaen is a mother-sister-daughter,she is not first of all a sexual gratfication object or a sales aid.
If sexual domestic violence does not exist in britain or any other non muslim country then,they are welcome to lecture others but before then its called set your own house in order before lecturing others.
But hey we cannot let facts come in our way to make self righteous remarks.

Anyone who has read Burchill will know that she is an Islamophobe without a doubt and yes she is a self-confessed Zionist an ideology that is fundamentally racist. As for "Rubenesque" LOL!

Shan is correct. Islam's mistreatment of women is a different kind than modernity's. It is difficult to say at times which is worse. A pox on both your houses!!!

<i>Anyone who has read Burchill will know that she is an Islamophobe without a doubt</i>

I would brush up on my semantics. A '-phobe' is someone who fears [an object/person/place]. Ms Burchill clearly does not fear Islam but perhaps rightly disdains its violent and nonsensical excesses. By your definitions, is anyone who is opposed to Muslim butchery and misogyny an islamophobe?

Steve i think you got your facts mixed up in your haste to show disdain for muslims and islam.
Butchery and misogyny is what so called atheists and christians practice a shown i iraq and afghan were millions have been killed- maimed-tortured-raped-sodomised or sexaully humiliated by christian occupation forces.

Oh dear it seems it's amateur night on MPAC's website. Listen Stevie boy the Runnymede Trust defined Islamophobia as the "dread or hatred of Islam and therefore, to the fear and dislike of all Muslims".

Read and learn. Burchill is an Islamophobe as I said in the first place.

Despite the opinion of politically correct think tanks, Islamophobia is a fabricated condition created with the intent to stifle any criticism of, or debate about, Islam. A phobia is an irrational fear not reasoned opinion.

Liberty John-singh and kumar say their childrens education is not good, their point is taken on as concerned parents.
Muhammed says his childrens education is not good,daily mail goes into a rant muslims tell us who to run our schools in thick black headlines.
If you cannot see phobia of muslims or islam in this then its no use wasting our time.