Afghanistan: The US Embassy Statement about "Burn a Koran Day"

Earlier today we noted that General David Petraeus, the commander of US forces in Afghanistan, had warned of the repercussions that "Burn a Koran Day" --- promoted by a small Florida church for 11 September and now receiving international attention --- could have for American troops.

Another marker of how seriously US officials are treating the matter comes in this statement from the American Embassy in Kabul, posted on the Facebook page of the International Security Assistance Force:

US and Afghanistan: Petraeus Warning over “Burn a Koran Day” (Barnes/Rosenberg)

The United States government in no way condones such acts of disrespect against the religion of Islam, and is deeply concerned about deliberate attempts to offend members of religious or ethnic groups.

The embassy wants to emphasize that we strongly condemn the offensive messages, which are contrary to U.S. government policy and deeply offensive to Muslims especially during the month of Ramadan.

President Obama made clear in Cairo in his speech on June 4, 2009 that he considers it part of his responsibility as President to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they occur. And during his recent Iftar speech at the White House he said: “Let me be clear: as a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.”

Americans from all religious and ethnic backgrounds reject the offensive initiative by this small group in Florida. A great number of American voices are protesting the hurtful statements made by this organization. Numerous interfaith and religious groups in America are actively working to counter this kind of ignorance and misinformation that is offensive to so many people in the U.S. and around the world.

Just a few days ago, President Obama’s Special Envoy to the OIC [Organization of the Islamic Conference], Rashad Hussain visited Afghanistan, reaching out to political leaders, religious leaders, students and all citizens of Afghanistan, communicating the important message of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between the U.S. and Muslim communities all around the world.

US and Afghanistan: Petraeus Warning over "Burn a Koran Day" (Barnes/Rosenberg)

In a telling example that the effects of whipped-up cultural conflict within the US may not remain at home, General David Petraeus offered a comment on this week's proposed "Burn a Koran Day". It is part of a concerted public-relations operation: the International Security Assistance Force is pushing Petraeus' remarks on its Facebook page.

Julian Barnes and Matthew Rosenberg report for The Wall Street Journal:

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said the planned burning of Qurans on Sept. 11 by a small Florida church could put the lives of American troops in danger and damage the war effort.

Gen. David Petraeus said the Taliban would exploit the demonstration for propaganda purposes, drumming up anger toward the U.S. and making it harder for allied troops to carry out their mission of protecting Afghan civilians.

"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort," Gen. Petraeus said in an interview. "It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems. Not just here, but everywhere in the world we are engaged with the Islamic community."

Hundreds of Afghans attended a demonstration in Kabul on Monday to protest the plans of Florida pastor Terry Jones, who has said he will burn copies of Islam's holy book to mark the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Afghan protesters chanted "death to America," and speakers called on the U.S. to withdraw its troops. Some protesters threw rocks at a passing military convoy.

Military officials fear the protests will likely spread to other Afghan cities, especially if the event is broadcast or ends up on Internet video.

Mr. Jones, head of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla., said in a statement that "We understand the General's concerns. We are sure that his concerns are legitimate." Nonetheless, he added, "We must send a clear message to the radical element of Islam. We will no longer be controlled and dominated by their fears and threats."

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