On several TV news shows, I’ve heard commentators say it was odd that all this Muslim anger and rage erupted today, several days after the Pope’s statements about Islam.

What’s odd about it? Today is Friday, and the crowds in photos from around the world with signs (in English) and masks and weapons are coming out of their neighborhood mosques, after listening to sermons by representatives of the Religion of Peace™. Nothing odd here. The massive demonstrations always erupt after Friday prayers.

Pakistani Muslims chant slogans to condemn Pope Benedict XVI for making what they regard as ‘derogatory’ comments about Islam, during a rally in Multan September 15, 2006. (Asim Tanveer/Reuters)

A masked Palestinian man from the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade attends a rally in Gaza to protest against remarks regarding Islam made by Pope Benedict XVI September 15, 2006. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA)

Palestinian Hamas supporters chant slogans during a protest against remarks regarding Islam made by Pope Benedict XVI, in Gaza September 15, 2006. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA)