Political cartoons and riots

While I don't necessarily agree with the decision to publish the cartoons that have reportedly offended a billion Muslims, I think the response has been quite hypocritical and probably only serves the purpose of some religious leaders in that part of the world. Why, for example, is it OK to burn an American flag, an important symbol to many in this part of the world, or to hang American leaders or others in effigy as means to protest being insensitive to a religion or a culture? I think you lose the moral high ground when you invite, encourage and promote that sort or response. Free speech is just as important as the freedom to worship.