The traditional news organizations that decided not the publish the cartoons must have reporters and other assets based in Muslim countries. They must be trying to protect them from revenge attacks because of varying degrees of intolerance demonstrated in the past. The intolerance seems to be bolstered by the “blue” laws on blasphemy, which are enforced using draconian measures in many of the countries. The decision not to publish could be interpreted as the organizations being held hostage by their unprotected, vulnerable assets being open to attack.
Protect free speech and the right to publish or protect assets in place and keep the ability to report the news, a Hobson’s choice.
A link to an article on this subject. https://gigaom.com/2015/01/08/online-outlets-showed-hebdo-images-but-offline-media-didnt-why/
My "Not Daily" Journal 