U.S. soldier Uses Quran For Target Practice; Military Apologizes

[Teacher Mark 53]

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A soldier used the Quran -- Islam's holy book -- for target practice, forcing the chief U.S. commander in Baghdad to issue a formal apology on Saturday.

Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, apologized to leaders in Radhwaniya, in the western outskirts of Baghdad, for the staff sergeant who was a sniper section leader assigned to the headquarters of the 64th Armored Regiment. He also read a letter of apology by the shooter.

It was the first time the incident -- which tested the relationship between U.S.-backed Sunni militiamen and the military -- was made public since it was discovered May 11.

"I come before you here seeking your forgiveness," Hammond said to tribal leaders and others at the apology ceremony. "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 is as "a humble gift" to the tribal leaders.

The soldier, whose name was not released, shot at a Quran on May 9, villagers said. The Quran used in the incident was discovered two days later, according to the military.

Hammond also read from the shooter's letter: "I sincerely hope that my actions have not diminished the partnership that our two nations have developed together. ... My actions were shortsighted, very reckless and irresponsible, but in my heart [the actions] were not malicious."

A tribal leader said "the criminal act by U.S. forces" took place at a shooting range at the Radhwaniya police station. After the shooters left, an Iraqi policeman found a target marked in the middle of the bullet-riddled Quran.

Copies of the pictures of the Quran obtained by CNN show multiple bullet holes and an expletive scrawled on one of its pages.

A military investigation found the shooter guilty and relieved him of duty; he will be redeployed to the United States for reassignment away from the 1st Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, a U.S. official said.

"The actions of one soldier were nothing more than criminal behavior," Hammond said. "I've come to this land to protect you, to support you -- not to harm you -- and the behavior of this soldier was nothing short of wrong and unacceptable."

Officials said the soldier claimed he wasn't aware the book was the Quran. U.S. officials rejected the claim.

Tribal leaders, dignitaries and local security officials attended the ceremony, while residents carried banners and chanted slogans, including "Yes, yes to the Quran" and "America out, out."

Sheikh Hamadi al-Qirtani, in a speech on behalf of all tribal sheiks of Radhwaniya, called the incident "aggression against the entire Islamic world."

The Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq also condemned the shooter's actions and the U.S. military's belated acknowledgment of the incident.

"As the Association of Muslim Scholars condemns this heinous crime against God's holy book, the Constitution of this nation, a source of pride and dignity," the groups statement said, "they condemned the silence by all those who are part of the occupation's agenda and holds the occupation and the current government fully responsible for this violation and reminds everyone that God preserves his book and he [God] is a great avenger."

[mawilson 2,133]

Sheikh Hamadi al-Qirtani, in a speech on behalf of all tribal sheiks of Radhwaniya, called the incident "aggression against the entire Islamic world."

Exaggerate much?

[Amby 490]

I must be a horrible human being because this story made me LOL

[Teacher Mark 53]

If they are running out of Insurgent targets then the mission must be complete! Time to bring the boys (and girls) home!

Here mawilson, this is for you:

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

It's just a book. Relax.

[mawilson 2,133]

Here mawilson, this is for you:

[Amby 490]

wideawake that is a great clip from a great movie

[Teacher Mark 53]

wideawake that is a great clip from a great movie

One of my favorites.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Or put it this way. It's like having someone sniping your 62" LCD HDTV with 1080p resolution. Of course you want to declare war!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

You've got to admit that in a country where religion is very influential both culturally and politically that this was a pretty stupid thing to do.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

You've got to admit that in a country where religion is very influential both culturally and politically that this was a pretty stupid thing to do.

It sure isn't how one would go about wining the hearts and minds.

[Cassie 8]

wideawake that is a great clip from a great movie

One of my favorites.

[adam75 0]

You've got to admit that in a country where religion is very influential both culturally and politically that this was a pretty stupid thing to do.

It sure isn't how one would go about wining the hearts and minds.

agreed..and his action doesn't represent other troops.

[BexandAlan 0]

We expect individuals to respect our rules when they are in our Countries I don't think it is much to expect people visiting Islamic countries to respect the Quarn. Its like going to Vatican city and burning a bible - pointless and disrespectful. I feel for the vast majority of service men and women who conduct themselves properly and represent our nations appropriately as news like this seems to reflect upon all of them.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

You've got to admit that in a country where religion is very influential both culturally and politically that this was a pretty stupid thing to do.

It sure isn't how one would go about wining the hearts and minds.

agreed..and his action doesn't represent other troops.

I'm sure it doesn't. It's important that this is made very clear to the Iraqis and the Middle East.