Gillian Gibbons has shown the world what an optimist looks like. In the wake of a difficult situation, she has come out smiling and humbled. (click here for article)

After Muslim fanatics over reacted to the innocent act of naming a teddy bear Muhammad and had her jailed and then found guilty of "insulting Islam" she not only apologizes but goes out of her way to praise and compliment the people of Sudan.

Her point should be well taken. While thousands of fanatics demanded her execution, the vast majority of people in Sudan had nothing to do with the extremism shown by her jailers and the judge who found her guilty.

Hopefully, moderate Muslims around the world will stand in support of Gibbons to demonstrate their reasoned approach to interacting with non-Muslims who are not aware of the intricacies of their religion.

Those in Sudan should thank Gibbons for her generous and forgiving response to her arrest and incarceration. Gibbons has even gone so far as to encourage others to consider teaching in Sudan, saying "I know of a lovely school that needs a new Year Two teacher."

While we should all appreciate her upbeat attitude, the people of Sudan should not be surprised if the search for good teachers has become slightly more difficult. School administrators should be sure, in the future, to provide comprehensive education on rules of Islam to non-Muslim teachers who offer to work within their schools.

How sad that a situation like this could have spiraled so far out of control...