The newest Mohammad cartoon controversy, the dog drawings by Swedish artist Lars Vilks, has not failed to escalate. Al Qaeda in Iraq has put a bounty of US$50,000 on his head, more if he is "slaughtered." The newspaper editor is also on the hit list, and the extremist organisation further threatens action against Swedish brands IKEA, Ericsson and Volvo unless an apology is forthcoming.
Lars Vilks at first stated he was worth more than that, and while understandably nervous about what local extremists could do against him, was absolutely defiant. So, somewhat surprisingly, was Swedish media.
But the Svenska Dagbladet daily urged Swedes to defend their right to free speech.
"Freedom of expression is not a privilege for the media companies and journalists but a guarantee that citizens can have different impressions, numerous sources of information and inspiration as well as the possibility to draw their own conclusions."
Vilks was in Germany on the weekend where he heads an art association, but was reported to be returning to Sweden on Monday. He has reportedly received police protection and is discussing his security options with the authorities.
Swedish businesses with operations in the Middle East is taking the threat seriously.
Telecom equipment giant Ericsson said it had ordered its operations in the Middle East to keep a "low profile" in the wake of the threat.
"We decided yesterday to take down our company flag in the Middle East to reduce our visibility," company spokeswoman Aase Lindskog told AFP.
"We take the threat very seriously. We have thousands of employees in this region. We remind them that the general security precaution advises and recommends a low profile, not to wear the T-shirt of the company, etcetera."
Undoubtedly a wise move.
Who would have expected the Swedes to grow a spine. Maybe they've had enough.
A religion that makes murder a sacrament is clearly dysfunctional.
10:36:25 PM 
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