religion

Americans Apologize for Burning Korans in Afghanistan

An Afghan demonstrator holds a copy of a half-burnt Koran, allegedly set on fire by US soldiers, at the gate of Bagram airbase during a protest against Koran desecration at Bagram, about 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Kabul, on February 21, 2012.
Photo: Massoud Hossaini/AFP/Getty Images

The Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan was the site of a massive protest today as more than 2,000 people gathered to express their anger at military forces who burned Korans in piles of garbage. “Die, die, foreigners!” demonstrators chanted, while General John Allen, the NATO commander in Afghanistan, apologized profusely in a statement.

Allen said some personnel at the American air base “improperly disposed of a large number of Islamic religious materials which included Korans,” but insisted, “When we learned of these actions, we immediately intervened and stopped them. The materials recovered will be properly handled by appropriate religious authorities.” He added, “We are thoroughly investigating the incident and are taking steps to ensure this does not ever happen again. I assure you, I promise you, this was not intentional in any way.”

Protesters agreed to end their rally, but are demanding a meeting with President Hamid Karzai, and will send representatives to Kabul to meet with Afghan politicians. In Kandahar, the governor’s office called the burning a “shameful move by some stupid individuals.” One protester spoke to larger frustrations: “They should leave Afghanistan rather than disrespecting our religion, our faith,” he said. “They have to leave and if next time they disrespect our religion, we will defend our holy Koran, religion and faith until the last drop of blood has left in our body.”

Americans Apologize for Burning Korans