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Islam

Radical Pastor's Koran Burning Plan Sparks Global Condemnation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A radical Christian pastor, Terry Jones, has drawn widespread criticism for his plan to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks by burning copies of the Koran on his church lawn. Despite warnings from General David Petraeus, US and Nato forces commander in Afghanistan, and the White House, Jones insists on proceeding with the stunt, citing his right to freedom of expression. The move has sparked outrage from Afghan scholars and tribal elders, who warn that it will cause a holy war.

Key Takeaways:

  • Terry Jones, the leader of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida, plans to burn copies of the Koran on September 11 to commemorate the terrorist attacks.
  • General David Petraeus and the White House have warned that the stunt will put troops' lives at risk and could inflame public opinion in Afghanistan and around the world.
  • Afghan scholars and tribal elders have warned that the Koran burning will cause a holy war and put the lives of Christians in danger.
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the National Association of Evangelicals, and the National Council of Churches (NCC) have denounced the Koran burning as an act of hatred that contradicts the ministry of Christ.
  • The US Attorney-General, Eric Holder, has described the Koran burning as "idiotic and dangerous".
  • Jones has received more than 100 death threats and wears a .40-calibre pistol strapped to his hip.
  • The FBI has warned that extremist actors may threaten or attempt to harm the leaders, organisers, or attendees of the Koran burning event.
  • Other Christian churches in Gainesville and members of the local Jewish and Islamic communities will hold prayer events at the same time as the planned bonfire on Saturday.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 death threats have been received by Terry Jones and his congregation.
  • 90% of the contents of the Sarajevo University Library was destroyed in 1992 by Serbian troops.
  • In 2005, an incorrect report by Newsweek magazine led to deadly riots across the Muslim world.
  • The Koran burning is scheduled to take place on the same day as the Islamic festival of Eid, marking the end of Ramadan.

Sources:

  • Jerome Starkey and Jacqui Goddard report for the BBC.
  • General David Petraeus's statement.
  • White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.
  • US Attorney-General Eric Holder.
  • Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence spokesman General Zahir Azimi.
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations.
  • The National Association of Evangelicals.
  • The National Council of Churches (NCC).
  • The FBI intelligence bulletin issued on August 19.
  • The Times archives.

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