Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Top US commander: Burning Quran endangers troops
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Top US commander: Burning Quran endangers troops
By KIMBERLY DOZIER,Associated Press Writer -
Wednesday, September 8
Send
IM Story
Print
KABUL, Afghanistan – The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan warned an American church's threat to burn copies of the Muslim holy book could endanger U.S. troops in the country and Americans worldwide.
Meanwhile, NATO reported the death of an American service member in an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday.
The comments from Gen. David Petraeus followed a protest Monday by hundreds of Afghans over the plans by Gainesville, Florida-based Dove World Outreach Center _ a small, evangelical Christian church that espouses anti-Islam philosophy _ to burn copies of the Quran on church grounds to mark the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States that provoked the Afghan war.
"Images of the burning of a Quran would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan _ and around the world _ to inflame public opinion and incite violence," Petraeus said Tuesday in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen echoed those sentiments Tuesday, saying any burning "would be in a strong contradiction with the all the values we stand for and fight for."
Muslims consider the Quran to be the word of God and insist it be treated with the utmost respect, along with any printed material containing its verses or the name of Allah or the Prophet Muhammad. Any intentional damage or show of disrespect to the Quran is deeply offensive.
In 2005, 15 people died and scores were wounded in riots in Afghanistan sparked by a story in Newsweek magazine alleging interrogators at the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay placed copies of the Quran in washrooms and flushed one down the toilet to get inmates to talk. Newsweek later retracted the story.
Responding to Petraeus' comments, Dove World Outreach Center's senior pastor Terry Jones acknowledged Petraeus' concerns as legitimate but said the church still planned to go ahead with the burning.
"We are at this time not going to cancel it. We're still considering it and praying about it," Jones told The Associated Press. "We are also just also concerned and wondering, when do we stop? How much do we back down? ... Instead of us backing down, maybe it's to time to stand up."
The church, which last year distributed T-shirts that said "Islam is of the Devil," has been denied a permit to set a bonfire but has vowed to proceed with the burning. The congregation's website estimates it has about 50 members, but the church has leveraged the Internet with a Facebook page and blog devoted to its Quran-burning plans.
The American's death brings to at least six the number of U.S. forces killed in Afghanistan this month, along with at least four other non-American members of the international coalition.
Engagements with insurgents are rising along with the addition of another 30,000 U.S. troops, bringing the total number of international forces in the country to more than 140,000.
At least 322 U.S. troops have died in Afghanistan so far this year, exceeding the previous annual record of 304 for all of 2009, according to an AP count.
Petraeus is asking for 2,000 more trainers and field troops for the international force, NATO officials said Monday. It was unclear how many would be Americans.
Also Tuesday, authorities confirmed the ambush killing of a district chief by suspected insurgents in the northern province of Baghlan on Monday afternoon. Nahrin district chief Rahmad Sror Joshan Pool was on his way home after a memorial service for slain anti-Soviet guerrilla leader Ahmad Shah Massoud when rocket-propelled grenades hit his vehicle, setting it on fire, said provincial spokesman Mahmood Haqmal.
Pool's bodyguard was also killed, and one militant died and two were wounded in the ensuing firefight with police, Haqmal said.
Five children were killed and five wounded in Yaya Khil district in the southern province of Paktika when an insurgent rocket fired at an Afghan army base hit a home Monday evening, provincial government spokesman Mokhlais Afghan said.
Kidnappers also seized two electoral workers and their two drivers in the western province of Ghor, according to deputy provincial police chief Ahmad Khan Bashir.
Insurgents have waged a campaign of violence and intimidation to prevent Afghans from voting, especially in rural areas, while some pre-election violence has also been blamed on rivalries among the candidates.
___
Associated Press writers Slobodan Lekic in Brussels, Travis Reed in Miami, Mitch Stacy in Tampa, Florida, and Amir Shah in Kabul contributed to this report.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Rwanda 'happy' at Ban visit, outraged by UN report AFP - 16 minutes ago
German exports roar ahead in July AFP - 44 minutes ago
Three killed in Baghdad attacks AFP - 47 minutes ago
UK-World Summary Reuters - 48 minutes ago
Bombs targeting Iraqi police kill three in Baghdad Reuters - 1 hour 53 minutes ago
News Search
Top Stories
German exports roar ahead in July
Toll from Guatemala, Mexico landslides rises above 50
Bank capital must be 'reinforced:' Trichet
US judge denies request to lift stem cell funds ban
French workers stage mass protest against pension reform
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Climate: New study slashes estimate of icecap loss
78-year-old woman found alive after week missing in Alps
Non-stick cookware may boost cholesterol: study
Former HP boss joins Oracle
France, Britain strikes cause travel chaos
More Most Viewed »
Earth's upper atmosphere shrinking, scientists say
Climate: New study slashes estimate of icecap loss
Tiger's ex breaks her silence on sex scandal
Japanese rider Tomizawa dies in San Marino Moto2 GP
Unchecked migration would see Singapore swell, Haiti halve
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo!
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
World Cup 2010
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Wednesday, 8 September 2010 Two US troops gunned down by Iraqi comrade after sports row
U.S. says not considering NATO Afghan troop request
|
Car bomb kills 20 in Pakistan after Taliban threat
|
Sony to sell Spain TV factory in outsourcing drive
US church vows Koran burning will go on despite concerns
BP to publish oil spill report on Wednesday: company
U.S. team to discuss N.Korea in Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing
|
Mozambique scales back price hikes after riots: minister
Barclays picks American banker Diamond as next chief
Iran says it is self-sufficient in gasoline: state TV
|
Six months on, little progress in Iraq govt talks
Climate: New study slashes estimate of icecap loss
Twelve Finalists For U.S. State Department ACE Awards
Spain's PM says ETA must lay down arms
|
El Salvador President Wants U.S. Assistance to Reduce Illegal Immigration
Study: Short Sleep Linked To Higher Risk of Heart Disease, Diabetes
Nigeria sets presidential poll for Jan 22
|
Red Tide Found In New York Harbor
Former Flight Attendant Works On Plea Deal To Avoid Jail
Sony to sell Spain TV factory in outsourcing drive
Top US commander: Burning Quran endangers troops
Two-Thirds of Travelers Angered By Hidden Airline Fees
Two U.S. soldiers killed, nine wounded in Iraq
|
Lennon Murderer Denied Parole Once Again
Car bomb kills 20 in Pakistan after Taliban threat
Brown Out With First TV Ad In California Governor Race
High-seas collisions trigger Japan-China spat
FBI Memo Warns of Extremist Retaliation For Koran Burning
China sent home by in-form Lithuania
CA Walnut Harvest To Top Records In 2010
Japan ruling party kingpin vows to stay on even if indicted
Ten million without shelter in Pakistan floods: UN
Pressure mounts in U.S. against Koran-burning plan
N.Korea returns S.Korea fishing boat, seeks flood aid
Petraeus warns on Koran burning as Muslim world reacts
Cash-strapped Khmer Rouge tribunal appeals for more funds
Veteran Syrian director takes on Muslim "extremism"
Japan beat Guatemala 2-1 in football friendly
China lauds 'friendly' Myanmar as junta leader arrives
HP sues to stop ex-CEO Hurd joining Oracle
|
Mozambique scales back bread price hikes
China seeks to avoid shouting matches with U.S
Beatles-inspired bands from world over feeling fab in US
Vanessa Paradis brings "Heartbreaker" act to U.S.
N.Zealand lets in Rocky Horror's Riff Raff: adviser
Venice film recounts trauma of war-scarred U.S. troops
Dollar falls to 15-year low against yen
Actress Jolie says flood-hit Pakistan needs long-term help
Two China banks apply to set up Taiwan rep offices
Asian markets mixed as profit-takers move in
Pakistani rupee at record low; stocks, o/n rates up
Bank of Japan keeps rates unchanged at 0.1%
Toronto filmfest hopes to buck up weak Oscar season
|
Rihanna reveals Loud album title, debuts single
|
Betty White gets comic book treatment
|
Billy Ray Cyrus teams with son on paranormal TV show
|
Former State Department official to head 'Google Ideas'
European police target online film piracy network
Solar plane plans first flights across Switzerland
Google replaces logo with dancing doodle
HP files complaint against former CEO over Oracle job
Bombs targeting Iraqi police kill three in Baghdad
German exports roar ahead in July
U.S. says not considering NATO Afghan troop request
|
Craigslist quiet on fate of adult services section
US appears powerless to stop Koran-burning ceremony
U.S. religious leaders condemn anti-Muslim frenzy
|
Bank capital must be 'reinforced:' Trichet
Afghanistan: More voting stations to remain closed
Toll from Guatemala, Mexico landslides rises above 50
Wildfires ravage eastern Spain
Cisco, Westcon pay 48 million dollars in overcharging case
Gilt Groupe Names Jason Binn Chief Advisor To Gilts Chairman
Death toll at Darfur camp rises to nine, UN says
Mexican media cowed by drug violence: committee
|
BP to publish oil spill report on Wednesday: company
US judge denies request to lift stem cell funds ban
Google replaces logo with dancing doodle
Two US troops gunned down by Iraqi comrade after sports row
Spain's Zapatero urges ETA to 'give up weapons forever'
U.S. team to discuss North Korea in Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing
|
Top US commander: Burning Quran endangers troops
French pension protest attracts 2.5mln people: union
Europe 'wasting time' in British rebate bid
Blast rips through Mexico oil refinery, kills one
|
Death toll at Darfur camp rises to nine, U.N. says
|
Icelandic WikiLeaks associate says founder should step aside
HP files suit against former CEO over Oracle job
US-TECH Summary
Philippine bus hostage reporters chose 'ratings above lives'
U.S. Justice Dept probing Google/ITA deal: sources
US drone strike kills six militants in Pakistan
US newspaper ad revenue falls again, but pace slows
Thai plane searched in LA after bomb warning: FBI
Japan journalist tricked Afghan captors with Twitter
Florida Church Defies U.S., NATO, Vatican Condemnation Over Koran Burning
YouTube shows a day through eyes around the world
Reykjavik's mayor puts comedian days behind
U.S. State Department Confirms No Permit For Koran Burning In Florida
South Korea imposes new wave of Iran sanctions
White House Not Inclined To Extend Tax Cuts For Highest Earners
Vietnam maths star prefers life in the shadows
Billy Ray Cyrus And Son Tapped To Host Paranormal Reality Show
Media watchdog slams Myanmar's pre-poll censorship
Zac Posen: Busy Until The Last Minute Before Fashion Week
Clooney's 'American' powers to top of box office
U.S. Justice Dept probing Google/ITA deal: sources
|
The Golden Girls: 25th Anniversary Complete Collection Hits Stores November 9
Oracle investors cheer ex-HP boss Hurd's arrival
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
China look to Asian Games after dismal basketball Worlds
Gilt Groupe Names Jason Binn Chief Advisor To Gilts Chairman
John Lennon's killer refused parole for sixth time
White House Yet To Explain Obamas Dog Remark
Malaysia officials appeal 'Lizard King' sentence
Stocks Retreat Over European Debt Worries
Ronald Reagan movie planned for 2011
China, Myanmar leaders to meet as election draws near
New Zealand extends emergency following aftershock
The xx win Britain's Mercury Prize for debut album
Michael Caine going on "Journey to Center of Earth"
Natalie Portman offered lead in 3D survival story
Study reveals attractive dance moves for men
Seoul shares open lower; financials retreat
Sharp aftershock rattles quake-weary New Zealand city
Chevron to explore three China deepwater sites
John Lennon's killer refused parole for sixth time
|
Natalie Portman offered lead in 3D survival story
|
Taiwan tycoon cleared in Sogo deal
Michael Caine going on Journey to Center of Earth
|
Amy Poehler to host Saturday Night Live premiere
|
Ronald Reagan movie planned for 2011
|
Former Flight Attendant Works On Plea Deal To Avoid Jail
French President Latest Victim of "Google Bomb" Prank
Unions Stage Strikes Across France To Protest Higher Retirement Age
Mayor Signs Anti-Sagging Pants Law
Guards beat customers at crisis-hit Afghan bank
|
World stocks drop as investors seek safety
Israel eyes impound of ships breaking Gaza blockade
China Mobile falls as Vodafone sells $6.5 billion stake
BP takes share of blame for Gulf oil spill
Sarkozy faces down French unions on pension age rise
|
German industrial output edges higher: ministry
Salesforce.com offers Chatter networking on mobile
Sarkozy defies French pensions protests
Iran woman's stoning suspended after global outcry
|
BP report on Gulf oil disaster to accept 'some blame'
Three killed in Baghdad attacks
Ex-Soldier In Fort Stewart Incident Charged With Threatening To Kill President
Australian government prepared to adjust mining tax
|
Poor security to keep more Afghan polls closed
MGM, Twentieth Century Fox Unveil Literary Classics Collection In DVD
Japan's Ozawa says may need to issue more debt
|
Colorado's Fourmile Fire Razes More Than 7,000 Acres
Afghanistan: More voting stations to remain closed
Merkel to honor Mohammed cartoonist at press award
|
Target To Sell Limited Edition Blu-Ray Of "Iron Man 2"
South Korea imposes independent sanctions on Iran
Test for Aquino as Philippine massacre trial starts
|
Country Star Justin Moore's TV Special Airs September 12
Winds Down Power Lines; Spark 85 Fires Across Detroit
Study Finds Swine Flu Not Worse Than Seasonal Strain
U.S. diplomat raps Russia on jailing, free assembly
|
Threatening Note Found On Thai Airplane
U.N. agency to report fall in Afghan opium output
|
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley Won't Seek Seventh Term
Pirates hijack Maltese-flagged vessel off Somalia
|
Article Claims Drug Makers Used 'Ghostwriters' To Distort Hormone Replacement Truths
China assures isolated Myanmar of its support
Former JetBlue attendant putting Hollywood on hold
Thai plane searched in L.A. after bomb threat
Beijing protests as Japan arrests China boat captain
Iraqi soldier guns down US troops after sports row
Koran-burning plan draws worldwide condemnation
Malaysian radio station sacks DJ over race discussion
Former JetBlue attendant putting Hollywood on hold
Call for Sept 11 truce over New York Muslim centre
Oracle offered Hurd pay package with $10 million bonus
|
Test for Aquino as Philippine massacre trial starts
Thai plane in LA bomb scare: FBI
Letterman's blackmailer eyes return to TV news
Salesforce.com offers Chatter networking on mobile
|
Angelina Jolie upset over Koran-burning plan
China demands Japan free skipper in maritime row
Asian stocks tumble as dollar hits new 15-year low
U.S. Justice Dept probing Google/ITA deal: sources
|
The XX win UK Mercury music prize for debut album
NZ house prices ease further in August
China Mobile falls as Vodafone sells $6.5 billion stake
|
Judge calls Nicollette Sheridan lawsuit "annoying"
Samsung launches smartphone in China
Study reveals attractive dance moves for men
Nokia bets on new smartphones for recovery
|
Audi posts sales records in China, US
Pakitani rupee firms; stocks up; o/n rates down
Teen radio show breaks taboos in Nepal
S.Korea to form capital flow monitoring unit-paper
Mexico movie finds jokes in drug violence 'hell'
China buys 6.9 billion dollars of Japan bonds
Seoul shares slip 0.5 pct on techs, banks
WWII Era Mass Grave Discovered In Slovenia
Bangladesh exports soar as orders shift from China
Taiwan plans to tighten M&A rules for financial firms
Affleck directs, stars in Boston thriller The Town
|
Angelina Jolie upset over Koran-burning plan
|
Shaken not stirred: 007's Aston Martin goes up for auction
|
Judge calls Nicollette Sheridan lawsuit annoying
|
Film on 19th century freak impresses in Venice
|
Natalie Portman offered lead in 3D survival story
|
Bob Marley's daughter pleads guilty to drug charge
|
Former JetBlue attendant putting Hollywood on hold
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights