The Law of Unintended Consequences

This is probably not what the clerics had in mind. It speaks for itself:

An Afghan Christian leader in the U.S. has welcomed reports that criminal charges may be dropped against an Afghan convert who was threatened with execution for refusing to return to Islam. The case has prompted strong international condemnation.

Hussain Andaryas said the publicity surrounding the Abdul Rahman case had resulted in a surge of interest in Christianity among Afghans, strong concern for the plight of Afghanistan's underground Christians -- and an antagonistic response from Muslims.

This is yet another example adding to literally thousands of years worth of evidence: when the Church is persecuted, it grows. God does his best work in a pinch.