The Destruction of Statues Displayed in an Islamic State

Offensive
The primary argument presented is that the destruction of idols is offensive to the religious convictions of certain communities. Islam teaches us to respect the religious beliefs of non-Muslims.

Answer
It is wrong to say that Islam teaches us to respect the religious beliefs of non-Muslims. To respect the beliefs of others means to respect kufr and shirk. This is totally unacceptable.

Yes, what we do respect is their right to practice their religion. In other words, despite the fact that we intensely abhor their beliefs, should they wish to practice on those beliefs, we will grant them the freedom to do so.

This too is on condition that it does not conflict with our interests.
As far as our attitude being offensive, well, if the truth be told, the whole of Islam is offensive to some of the kuffaar.

Even our kalimah is offensive to the mushrikeen. Our kalima denounces all deities besides Allah Ta’ala as false. This emphatically implies that the gods of the mushrikeen are false.
So are we going to abandon our kalima because it is offensive to some of the kuffaar? Certainly not!

In the same light there are numerous teachings of Islam which are offensive to one community or the other. Are we then going to discard these teachings merely because someone is offended?

http://www.alinaam.org.za/misc/STATUES.HTM