In February US soldiers in Afghanistan torched Korans that were used by captured terrorists to pass extremist messages back and forth to eachother. In response, Afghans rioted and attacked US bases. The “noble people of Afghanistan” stoned Bagram Air Force Base.
Protesters throw stones toward US soldiers standing at the gate of Bagram airbase. The US commander in Afghanistan, General John Allen, apologised and ordered an investigation into a report that troops “improperly disposed of a large number of Islamic religious materials which included Korans”. (AFP/Massoud Hossaini)
U.S. apologized to the “noble people of Afghanistan” for the improper disposal — burning, apparently — of Korans. The Korans reportedly had extremist inscriptions written in them.
This week a military court recommended discipline for the soldiers who burned the defiled Korans.
Voice of America reported, via ROP:
A U.S. military investigation into the burning of Qurans at Bagram Air Base near the Afghan capital, Kabul, last February has recommended disciplinary action against up to seven troops.
U.S. military officials said Tuesday no final decision has been made yet on the findings of the probe. According to the officials, one member of the Navy and up to six Army troops could face administrative punishments, but no criminal charges.
NATO troops stationed at Bagram attempted to dispose of a load of Qurans by setting them on fire, but were stopped by Afghan employees.
The incident sparked deadly riots across Afghanistan and attacks on NATO troops that killed some 30 people and led to the deaths of four Americans and plunged relations between coalition troops and their Afghan allies to an all-time low.
U.S. President Barak Obama apologized for the incident.
