The actions of people can be clouded in stress - but some actions are more than that - they can be seen as downright stupid!
We know, or at least most of us do, watching the American forces in Iraq are under close scrutiny since the actions of a few left the US with egg firmly on their face. Those actions took place in Abu Ghraib and were splashed all over the world. This led to the US making any amount of excuses and apologies.
Will that happen with this story?
Surely it would have been said to the troops who are on the ground fighting this war that The Quran is - to say the very least - held in very high esteem in the Muslim world.
A soldier used the Quran — Islam’s holy book — for target practice, forcing the chief U.S. commander in Baghdad to issue a formal apology on Saturday.
The soldier who was using The Quran as target practice has apologised and, thankfully, not been named.
Hammond also read from the shooter’s letter: “I sincerely hope that my actions have not diminished the partnership that our two nations have developed together. … My actions were shortsighted, very reckless and irresponsible, but in my heart [the actions] were not malicious.”
All Images designed by Alison Rhodes (LastingExpressions)
6 responses so far ↓
Post Traumatic Stress? | Politics in America // May 17, 2008 at 7:55 pm
[...] Brilliant Politics wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe actions of people can be clouded in stress - but some actions are more than that - they can be seen as downright stupid! We know, or at least most of us do, watching the American forces in Iraq are under close scrutiny since the actions of a few left the US with egg [...] [...]
thebeadden // May 17, 2008 at 8:13 pm
It’s too bad that things like this are happening. I used to think maybe it was just a few people. Then I saw all the you tube videos with soldiers having so-called “fun” at other peoples expense.
Winning the hearts and minds…
Will Rhodes // May 17, 2008 at 8:20 pm
I read it - and for once, couldn’t believe it. o.O
Lubna // May 18, 2008 at 10:12 am
Hello Precious Will… In your opinion how should I, as a Baghdadi citizen, and also as a practicing Muslim, feel when I read a story like this ?! I want you to tell me… And BTW, I do love your blog… With my love. Yours forever, Lubna.
B0bbyG // May 18, 2008 at 1:55 pm
…
I’m offended, and I’m not even a Muslim.
I shudder to think how the people who were enraged by a teddy bear will react to this one.
Jens // May 19, 2008 at 2:52 pm
actually one could argue it is only a book. i mean i am an atheist, so why not shoot the bible and would that cause a stire? on the other hand one can arguee it IS a book and we all saw and know what comes of book burnings…..
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