I am sickened, and frightened, and outraged by this. Fundamentalism, whether it be Christian, Islamic........whatever, is an intolerant expression and lacks respect for others. The problem with these people is the same one Catholics have faced for centuries from intolerant fundamentalist Protestants, it is the same one that Protestants faced during the Inquisition from fundamentalist Catholics. Idolatry is the worship of idols. The Buddhist doesn't worship these statues any more than the Catholic worships the statuary in our churches. We simply use them as focal points in our worship of God. It is The Eternal One that we worship. And these fanatics have deprived the world of great art, great expressions of the Buddhist people. Does the Taliban really think that they have lessened the ability of the Buddhist to worship? If anything they have strengthened the resolve to practice their faith (Is that the right word, Peter?) in the way that is right for them. When will these and others like them learn that it isn't as important where or how you pray, meditate, etc.. It is that you do it.

Mick