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Quran-burning could endanger troops, Petraeus warns
By the CNN Wire StaffSeptember 6, 2010 4:49 p.m. EDT
Quran-burning could endanger troops, Petraeus warnsBy the CNN Wire StaffSeptember 6, 2010 4:49 p.m. EDT
Gen. David Petraeus said a church's Quran-burning "is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses."STORY HIGHLIGHTS
The U.S. commander in Afghanistan criticizes a Florida church's event
Gen. David Petraeus says it "could endanger the overall effort in Afghanistan"
The Dove World Outreach Center says it wants to warn of Islam's "hateful" ideology
Another U.S. general warns that the protest could have "second- and third-order effects"
RELATED TOPICS
Islam
September 11 Attacks
David Petraeus
(CNN) -- The U.S. commander in Afghanistan on Monday criticized a Florida church's plan to burn copies of the Quran on September 11, warning that the demonstration "could cause significant problems" for American troops overseas.
"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort in Afghanistan," Gen. David Petraeus said in a statement issued Monday.
The Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, plans to mark the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington by burning copies of the Muslim holy book. The church insists the event is "neither an act of love nor of hate" toward individual Muslins, but the event has drawn criticism from Muslims in the United States and overseas.
Sunday, thousands of Indonesians gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta to protest the planned burning, leaders urging the U.S. government to step in and stop the event.
The Florida church's event is planned for the upcoming anniversary of the September 11 attacks by the al Qaeda terrorist group. In a statement on its website, the Dove World Outreach Center said it plans to burn Qurans "to warn about the teaching and ideology of Islam, which we do hate as it is hateful."
The center said that although it plans to burn Qurans, its animus is not aimed at individual Muslims. "We love, as God loves, all the people in the world and we want them to come to a knowledge of the truth," it states.
But with about 120,000 U.S. and NATO-led troops still battling al Qaeda and its allies in the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban movement, Petraeus warned that burning Qurans "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."
And one of his deputies, Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, told CNN's "The Situation Room" that the event "has already stirred up a lot of discussion and concern" among Afghans.
"We very much feel that this can jeopardize the safety of our men and women that are serving over here in the country," said Caldwell, the head of NATO efforts to train Afghan security forces.
Caldwell said American troops "are over here to defend the rights of American citizens, and we're not debating the First Amendment rights that people have." But he added, "What I will tell you is that their very actions will in fact jeopardize the safety of the young men and women who are serving in uniform over here and also undermine the very mission that we're trying to accomplish."
"I would hope they would understand that there are second- and third-order effects that will occur that will affect that young man and woman who's out there on point for America, serving their nation today, because of their actions back in the United States," he said.
I have to ask..who is "we?" Who is doing the tolerating? All of you are Americans, correct? I think this is part of what I find disturbing...is a true American identified as a Christian? Because I am not understanding who is doing the tolerating and who is doing the attacking. You are under attack by radicals. They do this in the name of Islam, even though most Muslims do not agree with this tactic. So who is THEY, and who is US. Are you not all Americans?
You are not even close to being a Muslim country and certainly no where near Sharia law. In fact, most of your laws and protests are based on Christian beliefs and values. Perhaps that is correct, perhaps not. But I do think it is coming down to how you identify yourselves as Americans. Does that or does that not mean Christian? I mean, the only way to deal with this is to start being honest, don't you think? And if that is the definition, then so be it. But if not, then I don't understand who is supposed to be tolerent? Americans of their fellow Americans?
You are not even close to being a Muslim country and certainly no where near Sharia law. In fact, most of your laws and protests are based on Christian beliefs and values. Perhaps that is correct, perhaps not. But I do think it is coming down to how you identify yourselves as Americans. Does that or does that not mean Christian? I mean, the only way to deal with this is to start being honest, don't you think? And if that is the definition, then so be it. But if not, then I don't understand who is supposed to be tolerent? Americans of their fellow Americans?
Let me ask what's next??? If we don't give in to the Ground Zero mosque, we'll get attacked. If the Qaran is burned, we'll get attacked. Well, we've been under attack for 20 years! We just started fighting back under President Bush. So basically they're going to attack us anyway and use whatever issue you want to choose as their excuse.
Why do we have do all the tolerating? At what point do we say we won't be threatened? Why can't Muslims realize that they are causing a lot of pain for the 9/11 victims families and survivors? Why can't THEY be more tolerant? Why can't they say we don't want to offend the American victims and families? Why is this tolerance issue such a one way street?
Short of completely becoming a Muslim country with Sharia law being the law of the land we're going to attacked. I'm really tired of hearing we have to be tolerant. We are and have been. Now it's their turn to reciprocate.
Why do we have do all the tolerating? At what point do we say we won't be threatened? Why can't Muslims realize that they are causing a lot of pain for the 9/11 victims families and survivors? Why can't THEY be more tolerant? Why can't they say we don't want to offend the American victims and families? Why is this tolerance issue such a one way street?
Short of completely becoming a Muslim country with Sharia law being the law of the land we're going to attacked. I'm really tired of hearing we have to be tolerant. We are and have been. Now it's their turn to reciprocate.
.perhaps we should let anyone burn whatever they want to burn as long as its not alive, and concentrate on whats important like these crazy drug cartels and that Looney AH getting ready to sling a Nuclear missile at us,did anyone see what Kissinger said last night ...oh I am off subject again ....
I don't think any of it is right either. All of these actions spread hate and just create anger. I know it happens and it's wrong no matter how you look at it. But I have to agree, currently the situation between the west and Islam is strained. The last thing anyone needs is another war, that sure won't solve anything. And if I had known there was a group burning bibles, I can assure you I would have had exactly the same feelings.
I think it is all wrong! But when you provoke others by burning thier books and treating them less than human, what do you think they are going to do? Kiss you? I have also seen americans burn the flag! And now there is another nut job gonna burn a quran and post a video! Are we just begging for war? Maybe you all want it but I dont! What people not getting enuff attention or what?
Sorry about the commas... How about our Flag The United States Flag I am talking about, its okay if that is burned whenever any one wants to ...if you burn bibles you can burn any other religious book ....
so what you are saying is two wrongs make a right? Changing the subject doesnt make this smell any better.
heres my bit then and you can let fly at me .... I will say I dont like the idea buit I can understand why.....so folks were so many up in arms when the bibles were burnt last year .did we all have a thread like this going in a huge protest about the Bibles ...maybe I have forgotten it,could I ask why the military burned Bibles in afghanistan last year .....lot of Hypocricy and double standards as usual..If the Military want to be fair how about they count the number of bibles burned and allowed the same number of koran;s to be burned..tell me folks how come you didnt shriek out then....
Children not being able to display their flag is ridiculous. That is a completely different thing from cultural or religious beliefs. All Americans (and Canadians) should be proud of their country, whether their families have been here forever or they are new immigrants.
One of our local schools is trying something out this year and personally I think it's a great idea. They are displaying various cultural symbols at appropriate times. For example, during Hanauka (sp?) they display the menora and Jewish students teach the rest what it symbolizes, means, etc. At Christmas it's Christmas Trees and Naitivity scenes...same thing, the Christian students teach the rest what the meaning is. So on and so forth. I think it is wonderful and will go along way to making every Canadian child feel a part of our country and free to practice their own beliefs. I hope more schools adopt the idea.
I agree with adjusting in terms of learning the national language, living within the countries laws, etc. To me that is what that means. I don't think laws should be changed to suite any single religious group, and that includes Christianity. They should be fair for everyone.
As for the Mosque issue, I did not know that the info had been out there so long. Now there is no question in my mind that everyone is being riled up for political purposes. Seems some will do anything to win an election, including putting their own citizens at risk. Not very patriotic in my mind, but maybe that's just me.
One of our local schools is trying something out this year and personally I think it's a great idea. They are displaying various cultural symbols at appropriate times. For example, during Hanauka (sp?) they display the menora and Jewish students teach the rest what it symbolizes, means, etc. At Christmas it's Christmas Trees and Naitivity scenes...same thing, the Christian students teach the rest what the meaning is. So on and so forth. I think it is wonderful and will go along way to making every Canadian child feel a part of our country and free to practice their own beliefs. I hope more schools adopt the idea.
I agree with adjusting in terms of learning the national language, living within the countries laws, etc. To me that is what that means. I don't think laws should be changed to suite any single religious group, and that includes Christianity. They should be fair for everyone.
As for the Mosque issue, I did not know that the info had been out there so long. Now there is no question in my mind that everyone is being riled up for political purposes. Seems some will do anything to win an election, including putting their own citizens at risk. Not very patriotic in my mind, but maybe that's just me.
Now we get to have the radicals on both sides, duke it out and put all of us at risk as a result! Dumb!
I watched the imam as well. And agree. He stated that if he had known all this was going to go on he would have never started it. I already knew that it had front page coverage in Dec 09, and at that time, not one protest. He also stated it was a political ploy, and I agree. Now aint that just something now! And as a result of all this rhetoric, someone will be hurt. Of course you know and I know, its just like politics and doesnt matter what the truth is. It shold have been left a local issue where it belonged, now look what has happened and it aint over yet. I think its ridiculous.
When I say Immigrants, I'm talking about 1st generation. My ancestors came over between 1690's and 1840.
There are schools in California where the students aren't allowed to wear the US flag on a shirt. Or even fly the flag. Instead some schools have Mexican flags. Now you tell me, is that right?? Having to print forms in every language known to mankind even for those who have become citizens? That really runs up the tab. I just believe that at some point immigrants should adjust to the country they've chosen to live in.
There are schools in California where the students aren't allowed to wear the US flag on a shirt. Or even fly the flag. Instead some schools have Mexican flags. Now you tell me, is that right?? Having to print forms in every language known to mankind even for those who have become citizens? That really runs up the tab. I just believe that at some point immigrants should adjust to the country they've chosen to live in.
Actually, even beyond that now. Interpol has issued warnings that they feel retaliation attacks are imminent. We Canadians have also been put on travel advisories and our consulates in the Middle East are on alert as well. As your neighbors and allies, our gov't fears for us as well.
Did anyone catch the interview with the Imam last night? I thought it was excellent. He did call Hammas terrorists and said he condemns any terrorist activity. He also said they will be completely transparant in funding and will be vetting any donors.
He also said some interesting things...this story broke on the front page of the New York Times a year ago...not a word was said. It's only now as we get closer to election time that this is becoming an issue. He also named Rabbis who are assisting him (advice, etc.) so clearly not everyone in the Jewish community has issues. He also said that they would look at moving it, but now have to tread carefully. If they do, they are concerned about National Security as overseas the radicals are using this to "prove" to the Muslim nations that the US is at war with Islam.
Also, who do you consider immigrants? Lots of these folks are 2nd or 3rd generation American..so are they still immigrants? And what is it they are demanding everyone else adapt to? We have a large Muslim population as well, and I have never known any of them to try to change MY life. They just want to live theirs in peace and as they choose. I still don't understand the issue there.
Did anyone catch the interview with the Imam last night? I thought it was excellent. He did call Hammas terrorists and said he condemns any terrorist activity. He also said they will be completely transparant in funding and will be vetting any donors.
He also said some interesting things...this story broke on the front page of the New York Times a year ago...not a word was said. It's only now as we get closer to election time that this is becoming an issue. He also named Rabbis who are assisting him (advice, etc.) so clearly not everyone in the Jewish community has issues. He also said that they would look at moving it, but now have to tread carefully. If they do, they are concerned about National Security as overseas the radicals are using this to "prove" to the Muslim nations that the US is at war with Islam.
Also, who do you consider immigrants? Lots of these folks are 2nd or 3rd generation American..so are they still immigrants? And what is it they are demanding everyone else adapt to? We have a large Muslim population as well, and I have never known any of them to try to change MY life. They just want to live theirs in peace and as they choose. I still don't understand the issue there.
Yeah, well I just heard on the tv, they put a travel warning out for american travelers, as a response to all this crap. Happy Days!
"I understand that,what I don't understand is how Muslims can get upset when a heck of a lot of people don't have problems with Mosques but are uncomfortable when they want to build one in Manhattan,I know it was not Islam that wreaked this horrendous atrocity on US soil but it was in the name of Islam.It would be like a person killing someone and then a member of their family moving in next door to the victims family, "
Very nicely said.
And I also do not understand why immigrants come here and demand that we adapt to them. Why did they come here in the first place? It's not real bright to move to a country whose mores you don't approve of. It seems that we bend over backwards for immigrants (drivers license test in 14 languages et al) and do all the tolerating. Where is the tolerance for our way of life????
Very nicely said.
And I also do not understand why immigrants come here and demand that we adapt to them. Why did they come here in the first place? It's not real bright to move to a country whose mores you don't approve of. It seems that we bend over backwards for immigrants (drivers license test in 14 languages et al) and do all the tolerating. Where is the tolerance for our way of life????
You don't sound racist. And I agree, 911 changed everything, even for those of us living outside the US.
I agree that I also would not like anyone trying to change my way of life. But I don't really see that as what is happening. These folks are American citizens living their lives. Yes, they have some different cultural beliefs and of course religious beliefs, but that is what the US is about. All different cultures. I do find it sad that things like Christmas trees, etc. are being taken out of schools, we have that here as well and I don't like it either. But I guess I don't see it as political correctness, at least not here in Canada. If we were strictly a Christian country that would be one thing, but we are not, so all cultures should be showcased. I don't really see anyone trying to change or take over anything...there is nothing to take over or change. Everyone should have the right to worship as they see fit. Now, if someone came along and told me that I had to change my belief system or my cultural practices, that would be a different story. But is that really what is happening?
I agree that I also would not like anyone trying to change my way of life. But I don't really see that as what is happening. These folks are American citizens living their lives. Yes, they have some different cultural beliefs and of course religious beliefs, but that is what the US is about. All different cultures. I do find it sad that things like Christmas trees, etc. are being taken out of schools, we have that here as well and I don't like it either. But I guess I don't see it as political correctness, at least not here in Canada. If we were strictly a Christian country that would be one thing, but we are not, so all cultures should be showcased. I don't really see anyone trying to change or take over anything...there is nothing to take over or change. Everyone should have the right to worship as they see fit. Now, if someone came along and told me that I had to change my belief system or my cultural practices, that would be a different story. But is that really what is happening?
I don't agree with persecuting any race or religion due to what a minority do,I just look at both sides and I can understand why people get upset,I get annoyed when people come to Australia wanting to live in a free country but then they get upset when people that live there practise their freedom.We have a lot of people smuggling in Australia,coming from Indonesia,then we have them wanting to try and change our way of life and what we celebrate,why come here if they don't like the way of life here.And I,m sure it's similar in the US.The government calls it political correctness.
I don't like to be seen as racist,but there is a lot of uncertainty and fear in the world since 9-11.
I don't like to be seen as racist,but there is a lot of uncertainty and fear in the world since 9-11.
There have been many atrocities committed in the name of Christianity by the Aryan Nation, the KKK and all their affiliates, but we don't seem to have an uprising against Christians in this country. There are Christian churches near all the sites these extremist Christians committed their crimes.And we still have people claim the US is a "Christian Nation" (which it's not, but that's a whole nother story).
I have to agree with adgal, while many people are just upset about the location of the NY Mosque, all the hoop-la about it is giving the racists a chance to voice their bigotry. I believe the same thing happened to the Tea Party. While many of them aren't racists, it gave the racists a group to join and vocalize their bigotry, which they usually have to keep behind closed doors.
As far as this Pastor's Quran burning day, he's a trouble maker, a bigot and looking for attention. I heard on the Today Show this morning, that he may change his mind if the "White House" gives him a call. What does that tell us? This idiot is just looking for attention. He should be arrested for terrorism.
I have to agree with adgal, while many people are just upset about the location of the NY Mosque, all the hoop-la about it is giving the racists a chance to voice their bigotry. I believe the same thing happened to the Tea Party. While many of them aren't racists, it gave the racists a group to join and vocalize their bigotry, which they usually have to keep behind closed doors.
As far as this Pastor's Quran burning day, he's a trouble maker, a bigot and looking for attention. I heard on the Today Show this morning, that he may change his mind if the "White House" gives him a call. What does that tell us? This idiot is just looking for attention. He should be arrested for terrorism.
I understand that,what I don't understand is how Muslims can get upset when a heck of a lot of people don't have problems with Mosques but are uncomfortable when they want to build one in Manhattan,I know it was not Islam that wreaked this horrendous atrocity on US soil but it was in the name of Islam.It would be like a person killing someone and then a member of their family moving in next door to the victims family,
There are very few Muslim countries that allow Christian Churches. There are a few, but not many. The difference is that the US (and Canada) are free countries. One of the wonderful things about them are that everyone is free to worship as they choose (within the law of course). Most Muslim countries do not have this freedom...they are primarily ruled by Royal families, or in the case of a country like Iran, completely corrupt "elections". So although it is not illegal to be of another faith, they cannot have churches. One of the reasons so many from all over the world immigrate, and one of the things that make these countries great. Freedom.
I often wonder how many Christian churches are allowed in Iraq,Iran,Afghanistan or other Middle Eastern Countries and if there are churches are they targetted at all.
I know even in India there have been problems with Christian churches so what is happening in the rest of the world,or do we just not get told?
I know even in India there have been problems with Christian churches so what is happening in the rest of the world,or do we just not get told?
You know what? We have been arguing exactly the same points, just using different words. I was against the location of this Mosque in the beginning, and still have mixed feelings about it. However, I began to swing to the pro side when I saw all of the other things starting to happen. You know how I feel about racist activity and that is truly what I believe is starting to happen. Some are using this issue to spread there hate and as an excuse to practice anti Muslim behaviour. I do feel for the families and don't want to see anything happen that could hurt them more then they already have been. I am just afraid that Islam and terrorism are becoming one and the same in some's minds..even those who aren't racists (if that makes any sense) and for them not to proceed here will play into that.
I don't know what the right answer is in regards to the location of this Mosque. I have mixed feelings. However, I am still disgusted that it is becoming a political issue and by the other activities now taking place. That is where I will use the word racism...I don't use that term easily, but when the shoe fits...and I don't believe it is restricted to the right. These people come in all shapes, sizes and political beliefs. I just don't think politics should be a part of this.
I will be watching the Imam tonight...7pm Eastern on Larry King Live. I am looking forward to hearing what he has to say. And I do like the fact that he has agreed to be transparent in the financing. I think that will go a long way.
Oh, and yes, no question some clerics and Imams use the Qaran to condone jihad and violence. However, there are many moderates as well who do not.
I don't know what the right answer is in regards to the location of this Mosque. I have mixed feelings. However, I am still disgusted that it is becoming a political issue and by the other activities now taking place. That is where I will use the word racism...I don't use that term easily, but when the shoe fits...and I don't believe it is restricted to the right. These people come in all shapes, sizes and political beliefs. I just don't think politics should be a part of this.
I will be watching the Imam tonight...7pm Eastern on Larry King Live. I am looking forward to hearing what he has to say. And I do like the fact that he has agreed to be transparent in the financing. I think that will go a long way.
Oh, and yes, no question some clerics and Imams use the Qaran to condone jihad and violence. However, there are many moderates as well who do not.
Don't be silly. Of course there are anti Muslims out there. There's anti everything out there somewhere. But I really think the Lame Stream Media has blown this waaaaay out of proportion.
But I truly believe that the vast majority are simply against the location of the mosque. And I don't understand how this Imam thinks he's building bridges while creating all the controversy and bad feelings. The families and survivors started this opposition. It's just plainly not appropriate.
And the guy who stabbed the cabbie was a volunteer with an organization that is very much in favor of the mosque. You figure that one out, I can't. Unless he was deliberately provoking controversy, I don't know why he did it.
And part of Islam as interpreted by some clerics and Imams is jihadist. That's just the plain truth.
But I truly believe that the vast majority are simply against the location of the mosque. And I don't understand how this Imam thinks he's building bridges while creating all the controversy and bad feelings. The families and survivors started this opposition. It's just plainly not appropriate.
And the guy who stabbed the cabbie was a volunteer with an organization that is very much in favor of the mosque. You figure that one out, I can't. Unless he was deliberately provoking controversy, I don't know why he did it.
And part of Islam as interpreted by some clerics and Imams is jihadist. That's just the plain truth.
So basically what your saying, if I am understanding you correctly, is that there is absolutely no racists anywhere. Everyone protesting this Mosque and other Muslims across the country are against this Mosque only, not against Islam in general. And that all of the other things going on are left wing propoganda? Now I am very confused, I will admit.
I really don't see how you can look at all that is happening and say there is no increase in anti muslim activity. As I have stated, I do not believe there is anti Muslim sentiment across the board, or that all protesting this Mosque feel that way, but I do think (and for valid reason) that it does exist for some. And I do believe that many are holding Islam responsible for what happened on 911. That is really the bottom line for me. And yes, I still think that this whole issue being used as part of a political agenda is absolutely shameful.
I really don't see how you can look at all that is happening and say there is no increase in anti muslim activity. As I have stated, I do not believe there is anti Muslim sentiment across the board, or that all protesting this Mosque feel that way, but I do think (and for valid reason) that it does exist for some. And I do believe that many are holding Islam responsible for what happened on 911. That is really the bottom line for me. And yes, I still think that this whole issue being used as part of a political agenda is absolutely shameful.
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