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.