The Scrutinator

Kidnapped Fox News journalists Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig were released by their Holy Jihad Brigades captors after being forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint.

New York Times: "2 Kidnapped Journalists in Gaza Freed Unharmed"

JERUSALEM, Aug. 27 — Two journalists kidnapped in Gaza were released unharmed today after being forced at gunpoint to say on a videotape that they had converted to Islam.

Omri Ceren notes:

We are beyond certain that if Muslim prisoners at Gitmo were forced to convert away from Islam as a condition of their release, the New York Times would not be putting the phrase "released unharmed" into their lede.

Because:

Being forced to convert is a harm. It might be the oldest harm short of death - being forced to renounce your faith and your god. Millions of people - literally millions - have died rather than deign to utter words that would force them to give up their faith. No wonder liberal journalists are utterly baffled by fully half of the United States - they don't think having to give up your religion is harmful.

The U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

Article 18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, ...

Update, 9/4, Mark Steyn:

Not even the dumbest jihadist believes these infidels are suddenly true believers. Rather, it confirms the central truth Osama and the mullahs have been peddling -- that the West is weak, that there's nothing -- no core, no bedrock -- nothing it's not willing to trade.

By The Scrutinator @ 7:04 PM