yep i know Owen can look after himself, but it really was a shambles.
it's essentially an extended insult, a big slur for any independent-minded writer.
David Toube (who also writes for the Jewish Chronicle AFAIK) dropped a major clanger. his retraction is a bit weaselly; if he had anything about him he would have made a full and frank apology, it's not hard. (maybe he has privately to Owen.)
it's a big shame not just in itself but also because Harry's Place does genuinely carry the odd decent (no pun intended) writer, including Toube himself, who when he sticks to what he's good at, which is writing about Islamist out-reach in the UK, is always provocative, well-researched and useful.
(the Drink-Soaked Trots website has some animus with them, which is good for random comedy.)
they do have some nutters in the comments, including some idiot who is full of anti-Muslim bigotry (it must be pointed out the HP writers take the time to refute him when they can be bothered).