US Serviceman In Iraq relieved of duty for using Quran for target practice, Muslims demand severe punishment
The sergeant has been relieved of duty as a section leader “with prejudice,” officially reprimanded by his commanding general, dismissed from his regiment and redeployed — reassigned to the United States.
But the Iraqi Islamic Party — which said it reacted to the news “with deep resentment and indignation” — wants the “severest of punishments” for the action . . .
On Saturday, Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, appeared at an apology ceremony flanked by leaders from Radhwaniya.
“I come before you here seeking your forgiveness,” Hammond said to tribal leaders and others gathered. “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 it as “a humble gift” to the tribal leaders . . .
Hat tip to the Religion Clause Blog.