US embassy cable - 05DHAKA2602

UNCLAS DHAKA 002602 
 
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: Koran Desecration; Dhaka 
 
 
Summary: "Sangbad" editorial says that the disclosure of the 
desecration of the Quran by the Americans themselves is 
strength of America's free society and democracy but the 
editorial suggested an orientation for the U.S. armed forces 
and administrative officials on the cultural sensitivities 
of other nations. 
 
Following are excerpts from the op-ed article: 
----------------- 
Koran Desecration 
----------------- 
"Exemplary Punishments Must Be Given To Quran Desecrators" 
Pro-Awami League Bangla language daily "Sangbad" editorially 
comments (6/6/05): 
 
Desecration of the Holy Quran or for that matter any holy 
books is an unpardonable crime.  It is natural therefore 
that the Muslim World will demonstrate utter anger.  Many 
people think that the desecration of the Quran is an 
unwanted sequel to the situation which the United States 
created after the 9/11.  President Bush's declaration of 
crusade after 9/11 gave birth to the idea among all 
Americans that each Muslim is either a terrorist or in some 
way involved with terrorist activities.  As a result, the 
idea that Muslims are criminals grew among the American 
administration and the U.S. armed forces.  And its natural 
consequence is the inhuman torture of Iraqi prisoners at Abu 
Ghraib prison.  Similarly, Muslim prisoners at the 
Guantanamo Bay prison have been under continuous torture 
although there are no specific allegations against them and 
they have not yet been produced before a court for trial. 
It is as if the U.S. administration thinks that since 
Muslims are suspected terrorists, they have no right to 
justice. 
 
At a time when the World Muslim community is angry with the 
Americans, the story of the desecration of the Quran came 
first from the Americans.  First Newsweek, and then the 
Pentagon disclosed five instances of the desecration of the 
Quran.  This disclosure demonstrates the strength of the 
American free society and democracy. 
 
Now the Americans have been saying that tough punitive 
actions will be taken against the desecrators.  But how far 
will it pacify the Muslims is a question.  Moreover, what is 
the guarantee that the same incidents will not be repeated? 
 
The American administration should change its hostile idea 
about Muslims and American troops and officials require 
necessary orientation and motivation.  Security officials 
should be trained on cultural sensitivities.  Only these 
steps may avoid repetition of such unpardonable crimes. 
 
Thomas