If you’re unaware of its context, this New York Times editorial might seem amazingly clear-headed: Silenced by Islamist Rage.

It is time for moderate Muslims to abandon the illusion that they can placate the Islamists by straddling the fence. It is they who must explain to their people that the cartoons were an isolated incident, and not the face of hostile crusaders. It is they who must make it clear to their people that blowing up mosques, beheading hostages and strapping on belts of explosives are far, far greater evils than a few drawings in a distant paper. They must do so because their future is at stake — not Denmark’s.

But, uh … isn’t this the same newpaper that not only refused to publish the cartoons (out of “sensitivity”), but condemned other newspapers who did? The New York Times is calling on “moderate Muslims” to do what the Times editors themselves would not—to show courage and stand up for free speech in the face of violent intimidation by fanatics.

These are new, uncharted depths in mainstream media cowardice and hypocrisy. Shame on the New York Times.

UPDATE at 2/25/06 5:03:41 pm:

Another reaction to this jawdropper of an editorial at All Things Beautiful.

More comments at Captain’s Quarters.

Judith Apter Klinghoffer says the New York Times’ chutzpah takes the cake.

Michelle Malkin’s stomach is churning.