Sidi Ifni, Morocco- As soon as the UK magazine The Spectator released its latest cover, Twitter users began to rebuke it on the grounds of "racism."
The cover of the controversial January 25 edition of the magazine, which promotes an article by Douglas Murray entitled, "Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East's 30 year war: Why the great Sunni-Shia conflict is getting ever closer to the surface," depicts a Sunni and a Shiite, each representing Iran and Saudi Arabia, respectively.
The caricature of the two Muslims brandishing swords and guns at each other has raised the issue of Sunni-Shia conflict, particularly in the Middle East.
Among the key points that Twitter users questioned were the racist depiction of Muslims on the cover and making a mockery of their differences.
The illustration promotes an article written by Douglas Murray on the Middle East's 30 Year War and the ongoing battle between the Sunni and Shia sects.
“This cover on The Spectator is a blatant and offensive way to perpetuate Arab (Muslim) stereotypes,” Elias Jahshan tweeted.
Whereas some users wondered about what could have happened if Jews in Nazi Germany had been depicted in this racist manner, others pointed out that this caricature might lead to more intolerance between the East and the West.
“The @spectator's cover artist would have made a fortune in 1930's Germany,” RepStones tweeted.
Another Twitter user wondered if the author of the picture would have dared to do the same with the Jews.
“Spectator cover. Douglas Murray. People still shocked? Freedland's litmus test. Replace Muslim with Jew and think if it would be acceptable,” heenamustafa said.
In response, Lebanese satirist Karl Sharro edited the cover to include two caricatures serving as puppets of the United States at the bottom of the cover.
Other Muslims went on to stress that Islamophobia grows rampant so long as such illustrations continue to hit the headlines.
This magazine, which is noted for stirring controversy, boasts a large number of comments and reactions because of its cover, reported Al Jazeera English.
Edited by Katrina Bushko
© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed