Ground zero mosque/prayer center/something

At the risk of resuscitating a demon thread I have slain on Facebook I had a few things to say about the controversy over the Cordoba House being built near Ground Zero. But I feel that Steven Greydanus' article covers this issue in the most balanced manner I've encountered. His followups should be read as well.

I'm heartened by the promise of Imam Rauf, who in a New York Times article writes:

There will be separate prayer spaces for Muslims, Christians, Jews and men and
women of other faiths. The center will also include a multifaith memorial
dedicated to victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Hardly the description of a triumphist mosque. Assuming that the promise holds up Imam Rauf seems to want to build bridges despite the controversy.

Since recent events have tied the Quran burning fisaco to the Cordoba institute I feel I can make one comment in this space. While everyone who isn't burning a Quran believes this idea is an "extra dose of stupid" one thing has nagged me since the condemnations started. People are acting like the Quran burning is going to set off a massive retaliatory slaughter by Muslims worldwide. Yet the narrative would have us believe Islam is a religion of peace. Which is it? To me it seems those who advocate that Islam is a peaceful religion really don't believe it (save for the Muslims themselves who have condemned the burning and have not killed anybody).

Frankly if I were Muslim and saw this I know I would be doubly offended. First by the burning, then by the attitude that it would send me into a murderous spree.