I think that many (if not all) of the friendly, gentle and kind Muslims whom I have had the pleasure to meet will be deeply shocked and embarrassed by this crazy teddy bear business in Sudan. But shouldn't we try to see this unpleasant affair in a wider context?

Yes, Islamic law is strict and the punishments are pretty nasty, but I for one would be very happy to see some of the criminals who are currently filling U.K. jails (at the taxpayer's expense) getting the proper punishments for their evil deeds. Islamic law also upholds the rights of victims, whereas in the U.K. the victims are often exposed to the torture of "trial by media".

And no, I am not a Muslim.