I'm talking about Muslims' ability to make fun of Islam, to have some humility about the metaphors used to understand ultimate, divine matters. Muslims are unusually protective of their religion.

Indeed, they're so defensive and hostile towards criticism of their religion (which they equate with disbelief or apostasy), that a non-Muslim could be forgiven for thinking they're protesting too much. If certain beliefs are justifiable, they shouldn't need to be protected by killing those who mock or reject them.

Why protect Allah's honour? Couldn't an all-powerful God take care of himself? How could God possibly be offended by our disbelief in the first place? If he's not offended, why should Muslims be obsessed with stifling Muslim humour? Why take religion so seriously that you have to kill in God's name?

Citing a handful of Muslim comedians--none of whom would be mocking Islam in the Middle East, for fear of losing their lives--doesn't challenge this distinguishing feature of Islam.