March 23, 2008

The film that wasn't there

From the BBC:

A website that a Dutch right-wing politician was planning to use to release a film expected to be fiercely critical of Islam has been suspended.

The US hosting service, Network Solutions, said it was investigating complaints that it may have breached guidelines on hate language.
Interesting, since according to Little Green Footballs (emphasis added):

[M]ajor internet registrar Network Solutions has apparently suspended the web site of Dutch MP Geert Wilders—before he posted anything.
It's difficult to see how the content of the site could contravene Network Solutions' conditions of use if there was no content.

Which leads me to consider a startling possibility - perhaps there is no Fitna movie. Maybe Wilders has been promoting a project that doesn't exist. As the howls of protest have grown louder and louder, the proposed release of the film has been repeatedly delayed - so maybe it's not such an outlandish suggestion.

According to the text on this UK based website:

It should be fairly obvious by now that there is no "Fitna" movie. No movie to insult Islam or Muslims or anyone else for that matter. The month of April is upon us, we all know the month of April starts with the 1st April and that day is famous for (practical) jokes.

Holland might not be considered as a country with a great sense of humour but ever once in awhile even in Holland they crack a joke. So, bottom line; if you are here to find the Famous Fitna movie I guess you have been had !!!

On the other hand, if you are worried about how much unrest the rumour of a 15 minute movie about Islam can create, maybe it is time to identify and deal with the issues at hand.