Koran Burning at U.S. Base Sparks Afghan Protests

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Oh and apparently they were cleared from a Library on the base because they had been defaced by detainees with "extremist messages" whatever those are.

The current Quran death count stands at 4.

Edited February 22, 2012 by Sousuke

[sandinista! 1,816]

10+ years there, one would think that perhaps this task would best be undertaken discreetly then by military personnel instead of their afghan staff. this is just sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Oh and apparently they were cleared from a Library on the base because they had been defaced by detainees with "extremist messages" whatever those are.

The current Quran death count stands at 4.

No such thing.... just ask the apologists.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

It all boils down to this: we should not have been there in the first place, and it's time to get the #### out of a country we have no business to be in.

[luckytxn 2,264]

It all boils down to this: we should not have been there in the first place, and it's time to get the #### out of a country we have no business to be in.

Whoa. I agree with you.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Whoa. I agree with you.

NATO screwed this one up, specifically the German sector command.

[luckytxn 2,264]

I think you are supposed to bury them or place them in a river (weighted down). Those appear to be the ideal, though apparently burning is allowed as well under certain conditions.

Look. The best thing is for them to have ASKED if maybe this was a good or bad idea. We are a Christian nation and our soldiers are for the most part. We are in a country that is Muslim. Any country I had ever been sent to I was briefed on local customs. They to me should have been told at that time that burning a holy book with the trash is a bad idea.

NATO screwed this one up, specifically the German sector command.

Yeah that excuse may work.

[Ban Hammer 13,337]

It all boils down to this: we should not have been there in the first place, and it's time to get the #### out of a country we have no business to be in.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

In a third day of riots 4 NATO soldiers and 2 US soldiers have died as a result of these protests. No matter what I can not see justification of taking human life for the burning of pieces of paper.

The religion claims to not worship idols or have idols. I can see how the foreign troops would want to destroy a tool being used to pass extremist communication. I know Sunni's are particular about now worshiping idols and Shites are different in that they don't care as much and have loads of pictures of the prophet and his heirs.

Does anyone know if their holy book is something they both agree about not defiling? Does a holy book claim exclusion from the not worshiping the idol thing? And as some have asked how does one dispose properly of an item like this with respect such as the procedure the US has with the flag?

Edited February 23, 2012 by ॐ

[_Simpson_ 250]

10+ years there, one would think that perhaps this task would best be undertaken discreetly then by military personnel instead of their afghan staff. this is just sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.

Sloppy! no, it's rather stupid that people would get this upset over this nonsense, nobody was trying to disrespect Muslims. We need to get the hell out of middle east and quit it with trying to make Muslims happy. Bring common sense back! Do you want your Quarn filled extreme messages? Common sense people.

Edited February 24, 2012 by _Simpson_

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I spoke with members of the local muslim community here yesterday. Some of them are Afghani. I asked them the same questions I asked here to try and understand the situation better. This was their consensus.

That to properly dispose of a Koran that is old and worn and ratty they burn it. That it is the intent of the person that makes the difference because they only do it if it is necessary and they do it with respect for the sacred book. The fact that the Quran's were sent out with the garbage at the base and burned like garbage is what made it considered a desecration to the Muslims in the region. This point is what infurated the masses.

They also said that the Afghan people do not understand why the West is there and that they are seen as an Imperialist nation exanding their empire and occupying their land. I asked them to explain their idea of imperialist nation and they said the US has a military base in nearly ever country in their region. If it wasn't for this the people of Afghanistan would no more give a thought to the United States than the people of the United States consider a country like Uzbekistan. That the people want the US out and it could have been any reason that started these riots and protests against the US but that this is probably a good enough reason and they don't forsee a de-escalation. That the US should probably get out. The Russians couldn't win and neither will the US. That's their words.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

all in all I'd say this is pretty much the last straw. NATO should do something BOLD. Hold secret negotiations with the Taliban, sell out the current government Vietnam style and have the Taliban agree to small counter insurgency forces present in the country only.

Edited February 24, 2012 by Sousuke

[luckytxn 2,264]

all in all I'd say this is pretty much the last straw. NATO should do something BOLD. Hold secret negotiations with the Taliban, sell out the current government Vietnam style and have the Taliban agree to small counter insurgency forces present in the country only.

So you for history repeating itself.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

So you for history repeating itself.

I don't see it happening any other way do you?

[luckytxn 2,264]

I don't see it happening any other way do you?

No, Just asking.

I didn't see anything other then this myself from the beginning.