The Sultan of logic

"I believe our people are hostages to our own beliefs and teachings ... Knowledge has released me from this backward thinking. Somebody has to help free the Muslim people from these wrong beliefs."

This from Syrian-born psychiatrist Dr. Wafa Sultan, who is evolving into a forceful Arab voice for modernity. God knows more are needed.

According to the New York Times, Sultan said Muslims have descended into a vortex of self-pity and violence. And she dares tread on holy ground, saying, "We have not seen a single Jew blow himself up in a German restaurant. We have not seen a single Jew destroy a church. We have not seen a single Jew protest by killing people.

"Only the Muslims defend their beliefs by burning down churches, killing people and destroying embassies. This path will not yield any results. The Muslims must ask themselves what they can do for humankind before they can demand humankind respect them."

Proving her point, Sultan has received scores of death threats.