Posted on 05/17/2008 5:09:19 PM PDT by Prole
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- 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.
Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond apologizes after a soldier admitted using the Quran for target practice. Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, apologized to leaders in Radhwaniya, in the western outskirts of Baghdad, for the staff sergeant who was a sniper section leader assigned to the headquarters of the 64th Armored Regiment.
He also read a letter of apology by the shooter. It was the first time the incident -- which tested the relationship between U.S.-backed Sunni militiamen and the military -- was made public since it was discovered May 11. "I come before you here seeking your forgiveness," Hammond said to tribal leaders and others at the apology ceremony.
"In the most humble manner I look in your eyes today and I say please forgive me and my soldiers." Another military official kissed a Quran and presented is as "a humble gift" to the tribal leaders.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Literally forced a commanding officer to kiss a Koran.
< / Nuclear Barf >
Where o where are the Black Jack Pershings?
Yes and no. The shooter should have had some sense and waited until he got back stateside to do it.
He needs a medal.
Lot of good Mohammad got out of burning down all those wooden idols in Mecca.
Arabs are probably incapable of change ~ they like their little cellulose gods.
I think I would like to see what my .308 does to one. Or maybe my .50 flint long rifle. Sounds like fun.
That soldier needs a major ass kicking for that. The reality is that he put his fellow soldiers and Marines in harm’s way.
He could have used one for TP and kept his mouth shut.
Heck I’ve been buying ‘em at the used book stores and using ‘em for TP.
But then I decided I didn't like having evil that close to me, so I just burn them now.
Thank you freekoran.com. See you in hell... with me looking down from Heaven.
This appeasement behavior is not really part of the warfighter mentality I always envisioned in our Army.
I can see General Patton rolling over in his grave.
Welcome home, soldier.
Did the taxpayer have to finance a "ceremony" for this?
Would have hated to be the S3 or S1 during the planning of that claptrap.
Please forgive me and my soldiers. Certainly there was something more worthless to shoot at than some book, yet would have brought more worthwhile results. It is unfortunate that we are allied with those who would find a book, or the words within, more valuable than the lives and destiny of those who profess to uphold and learn from such a book. When the book is more important than the message, beware. The end is near. If we may hasten that end and save you suffering, we are honored to do so.
Sickening.
I want to buy that soldier a beer when they come home.
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