well, i have no idea if he indeed used the arabs as a reference, but you have to remember that such cultures existed throughout history, our own history, not just arabs. it's true that it is easier to see them as arabs in light of current affairs, but the rest of the world wasn't much better during the dark ages (sometimes still). so maybe someone being offended is because he refuses to ask himself some hard questions, not because what someone else writes.
so maybe someone being offended is because he refuses to ask himself some hard questions, not because what someone else writes.