Why is there so much outrage in the middle east over insults to Islam? [View all]

[cali]

To us, the "film" Innocence of Muslims" appears laughably bad. Crudely made- and that's a compliment- with dialog so bad and so clearly not about Mohammed or Islam, that it seems to come from a movie about something else entirely, it may be easy to find the reaction in the middle east incomprehensible, but if you really look at the spheres around the movie, I think it's easily understandable.

There's a feeling of powerlessness that's widespread in many middle east countries. And why wouldn't they feel powerless knowing that there's the possibility that they could be invaded or attacked by western forces. Then there's the almost opposite of that: Needing help from western powers, chiefly the U.S., due to the actions of those who rule them and who are or have been supported by the U.S.
That would be pretty maddening.

Regarding "innocence of Muslims", it appears that a great many people in the middle east did not understand how marginal this "film" is here. According to a story on NPR, many believed that is was mainstream, widely seen on U.S. TV and made to mark the anniversary of 9/11. Then there's the language issue. And the fact that in those countries most people have few outlets.

I'm not justifying violent reactions. I'm just trying to understand them beyond the "oh they're just fanatics" or "they're ignorant" or the other biased claims that purport to explain the reaction.