For the United Kingdom, as well as a numerous other nations, a watershed in their measuring of time can be observed. No longer the religiously orientated BC/AD split; now it is a corporeal divide based on the events of September the 11th 2001. Following that monumental occurrence in the U.S.A., much of the internal news coverage of the UK media is focused on the existence of Islamic Fundamentalism. Abu Qatada, the latest figure at the heart of the British media circus, demonstrates the dangers associated with extremist religious groups. Nevertheless, the media is more than willing to neglect acts which may appear at least to be anti-Islamic, or are inclined to cause some reaction from Muslims.
Today the Reuters news agency released the story that over 2,000 Afghans were protesting in the wake of the apparent burning of Qarans at the Bagram airbase. This act of "improperly disposed of copies of the Koran" resulted in U.S. helicopters firing flares at the protesters in the hope of dispersing them, as they threw stones and changed "anti-foreigner slogans" outside the main U.S. military base. To many of a Western persuasion, the actions of those protesting will be seen as another example of hatred towards those who are apparently trying to 'help' rebuild Afghanistan, however the truth is far more bleak.
Issue is not the protesters, but rather the source of their demonstrations. The action of the 'foreign troops' in burning the Qaran, the holy book of Islam, is comparable to improperly disposing of the Vulgate outside St. Peter's Basilica. Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic, and therefore holds Islam and the literary focus of the faith, the Qaran, to be most precious. The actions of those soldiers demonstrates a clear ignorance to any sensitivity to the cultural and religious attitudes of the people who they are there to support and protect. Despite the apology of General John Allen, head of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), in a written statement, it does not cleanse the actions of those responsible for the burning.
The events in Afghanistan should draw ones thinking back to 2010, and the controversial plans of Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida. Jones intended to burn 200 copies of the Qaran on the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the U.S.A. This sparked widespread protests within the Muslim community worldwide, and deplorably resulted in the deaths of some 30 people. The Christian Science Monitor, a news organisation that reputedly "delivers thoughtful, global coverage" held Afghan President Hamid Karzai responsible for speaking out against the burning on March 31st. Fortunately, Jones cancelled the event and promised never to follow through on his plans in the future.
The relevance which this has with today's events are very simple; both demonstrate that those outside of Islam have a lack of awareness and understanding for the role of the Qaran . To Islam, the Qaran represents the origins of their faith, handed down to Muhammad, via the angel Gabriel, by Allah Himself. The troops involved in burning the Qaran had clearly either not been told the appropriate manner to deal with the texts, or worse they wholly flaunted cultural awareness training which the may have been privy to. No matter the reason, the easiest method of 'disposing' of the literature would have been to give it back to the community. Such an action would demonstrate, to some at least, that those foreign forces were open and accommodating to local beliefs. They would have been seen as willingly supporting Islam, and at the same time giving a slap in the face to Taliban anti-Western propaganda.
The clear consequence of the past few days is that further rebuilding between local and international factions within Afghanistan will have further ground to make up. We so readily condemn and remember the actions of free lance extremists, and associate these individuals with the greater masses and authorities which represent a peaceful Islam. Perhaps we must encourage a framework of reconciliation, not only with people who we see as 'different', but also our own understanding and respect for difference. This would both further ourselves in the utopian dream of being a truly civilised world, but also to develop sensitivities that can travel in both directions completely free.
Following later developments, it has become apparent that the burnings in Afghanistan may not have taken place. Nevertheless, the sentiment remains true and personally advocated.
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