(CNN) -- A new battle has erupted on the global stage over the future of free speech. Its epicenter moved to the U.N. General Assembly, where world leaders expounded on the great issues of the day. The annual U.N. gathering came just days after a chain reaction of ferocious protests in Muslim countries against a video on YouTube insulting Islam. Reaction to the video led to the deaths, at last count, of more than 50 people, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens. So, the hateful video and the mass violence became an inescapable topic at the United Nations. And yet there was intense disagreement about what exactly was troubling about the events of the last few weeks and what action they demand.
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Frida Ghitis: A recent anti-Islam video became an inescapable topic at the United Nations
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Ghitis: Some leaders say we should limit free speech to prevent insults to religions
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She says calls for anti-blasphemy laws should alarm democracy advocates
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Ghitis: President Barack Obama is right to defend free speech and U.S. should push for it
It is appropriate for @placeholder leaders to explain they found the anti-Islam film reprehensible.