Readers present views on the Danish newspaper apology, the Olympics and the Rio Group

The following comments reflect the views of DW-WORLD.DE readers. Not all reader comments have been published. DW-WORLD.DE reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.

Danish paper apologizes over Mohammed cartoons

The newspaper was very wrong to apologize. We all know that Gulf money can buy almost everything but, please, in the package do not include our freedom of speech and opinion. It is perhaps our best achievement. -- Peter Karsson, Sweden

It is evident that the newspaper has apologized under pressure. My opinion is that one should be sensible and avoid publishing material offensive to any community, and if one does it with some intention in mind then stick to it because everybody knows the results. -- Arvind Gupta, India

Politiken did the right thing by apologizing for its unjustified offence against more than two billion Muslims. -- Khalid, Yemen

Had the offending material been aimed at Christians, I don't think an apology would have been offered, so why must one be offered to Muslims? My greatest concern is that Politiken has now rewarded dangerous behavior - rioting and murdering Christians will force newspapers etc. to apologize or retract statements. This sets a very dangerous precedent that could well lead to curtailing the freedom of the press in Europe. I suggest that Politiken has allowed itself to be bullied by those who would censure our Western freedoms. -- Pattipeg S. Harjo, US

Vancouver wraps up with Germany second in the medals table

For me, the most memorable competition for years to come will be the gold medal men's ice hockey game. The atmosphere was first class and out of this world. I am a first generation Canadian of German heritage and it reminded me of Germany's World Cup win of 1990 and the Euro win of 1996. We will never forget this big win. I also live in Vancouver and cannot believe how much fun it has been over the last two weeks. I attended the World Cup in Germany in 2006, went to five games, including both semi-finals and the final in Berlin. This Olympic experience has been every bit as good. I am now a bigger fan of the Olympics. Congratulations to Germany for finishing second in the medal count and congratulations to Canada for finishing first in the gold medal count and first in the hearts of Canadians. -- Eric Böhne, Canada

The sooner Chancellor Angela Merkel starts talking up the Munich 2018 bid, the better for Germany. The way Germany has performed it must have a good chance to pull it off and win the rights to hold the 2018 Winter Olympics in Munich. -- Stuart John Pearson, Australia

South America to create new EU-type bloc to defy US

Oh, they will come crying to us for help after the big earthquake there. Should the US help these independently-spirited folks? That is a hard one to answer. -- D. Coon, US

They have a right to exclude whoever for whatever reason. But that approach is a two way door, the United States and Canada will now be free to help as they see fit, without any obligation to the Rio group. It's like saying you can't play ball with us and me saying then I won't buy a ticket to watch you play. -- Uncle Sam, US

The fact that this new body is intent on excluding Canada as well as the US demonstrates that it is, in fact, an implicitly racist, anti-white organization. They would pull a "Zimbabwe" if they could. -- Victoria, US

The working poor have suffered greatly in the last 25 years. China's growth has surpassed the production of Brazil and the transfer of wealth has shifted in the world. Street crime has tarnished the image of government. You have to ask yourself, would I invest in this region and for how long? -- Malcolm Clayton, Canada

Compiled by Stuart Tiffen
Editor: Michael Lawton