Judith has a round-up of links (also here, at Winds of Change) suggesting that the timing of the cartoon flare-up was carefully manipulated, possibly to coincide with Denmark's taking the helm of the UN Security Council and recent issues revolving around Iran and Syria.

I find this theory interesting, but I'm remaining unconvinced. I think what we have is more likely to be simply a matter of the usual demagoguery, rather than something so fine-tuned. However, it's something to keep an eye on.