US embassy cable - 05DHAKA2297

UNCLAS DHAKA 002297 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR I/FW, B/G, IIP/G/NEA-SA, B/VOA/N (BANGLA SERVICE) STATE 
FOR SA/PAB, SA/PPD (LSCENSNY, SSTRYKER), SA/RA, INR/R/MR, 
AND PASS TO USAID FOR ANE/ASIA/SA/B (WJOHNSON) 
 
CINCPAC FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR, J51 (MAJ TURNER), J45 
(MAJ NICHOLLS) 
 
USARPAC FOR APOP-IM (MAJ HEDRICK) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR, OIIP, OPRC, KPAO, PREL, ETRD, PTER, ASEC, BG, OCII 
SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Alleged Desecration of the Holy 
Quran; Dhaka 
 
Summary:  Anti-West "Inqilab" says the U.S. Administration 
is concerned about the worldwide protest and demonstrations 
against the desecration.  Secretary Rice's comments about 
investigation and punishment to offenders are positive 
steps. But the United States should not confine itself to 
words only.  The anti-Muslim American bandits have hurt the 
sentiments of all Muslims.  Quick punitive measures must be 
taken against them.  Pro-Jamaat-e-Islam "Sangram" says the 
desecration of the Holy Quran is a heinous crime at a time 
when the world is talking much about protection of 
democracy, human rights, and religious freedom.  The Muslim 
community is awaiting U.S. action on the desecration of the 
holy book. 
 
Following are excerpts from the editorials: 
------------------------------------- 
Alleged Desecration of the Holy Quran 
------------------------------------- 
"Desecration of the Holy Quran" 
Anti-West vernacular daily "Inqilab" editorially opines 
(05/17/05): 
 
The desecration of the Holy Quran is an insult to the world 
Muslims and the entire mankind.  Muslims respect followers 
of other religions and equally respect their holy books. 
There is no instance of any desecration of others' religious 
books by Muslims.  In fact, no religion ever permits 
desecration of others' religious book. 
 
The U.S. Administration is concerned about the worldwide 
protest and demonstrations against the desecration. 
Secretary Rice's comments about investigation and punishment 
 
SIPDIS 
to offenders are positive steps. But the United States 
should not confine itself to words only.  The anti-Muslim 
American bandits have hurt the sentiments of all Muslims. 
Quick punitive measures must be taken against them. 
 
---------------- 
 
"Arrogance of the Imprudent" 
Jamaat-e-Islam organ vernacular "Sangram" editorial said 
(0517/05): 
 
The desecration of the Holy Quran is a heinous crime at a 
time when the world is talking much about protection of 
democracy, human rights, and religious freedom.  The Muslim 
community is awaiting U.S. action on the desecration of the 
holy book.  If the United States takes punitive actions 
against the alleged soldiers, they might get rid of the 
deadly consequences of this world and the next world.  If it 
fails, it will have to encounter serious danger.  The sooner 
the United States realizes this, the better.  The Muslims 
may not remain silent if the United States does not act. 
Because, justice shrinks if wrongdoing is harbored. 
 
Thomas