Ramblings' Journal: <i>Newsweek</i> fallout: Muslims don't believe apology, still upset

May 16, 2005

Newsweek fallout: Muslims don't believe apology, still upset

Muslims in Afghanistan and Pakistan are still upset with the United States on the heels of Newsweek's apology for their false contention two weeks ago that Guantanamo Bay interrogators flushed the Koran down a toilet.

The apology, released on the 'net yesterday and in print today, included an apology to those directly affected by violence caused by the erroneous report, as well as to US troops put in greater harm's way as a result of the false statement.

Muslims said they suspected that pressure from Washington was behind the magazine's climbdown, Reuters reported Monday.
"We will not be deceived by this," Islamic cleric Mullah Sadullah Abu Aman told Reuters in the northern Afghan province of Badakhshan.
"This is a decision by America to save itself. It comes because of American pressure. Even an ordinary illiterate peasant understands this and won't accept it."

At least 16 deaths and more than 100 injuries can be directly linked to the violence stemming from a reaction to the Newsweek report.

Other bloggers are looking for Sgt. Eric Saar, former Guantanamo Bay guard and co-author of a new "tell-all" book (Inside The Wire) on so-called abuses. It looks like Saar may be the source of the report that Newsweek relied on to support the false story.

(More coverage from Mudville Gazette, Judicious Asininity, The Anchoress, Outside The Beltway, Little Green Footballs, LaShawn Barber & others)

Posted by mhking at May 16, 2005 09:16 AM

Comments

I'm sure the loony left will blame evil genuis Karl Rove for planting the story as a destraction from the looming filerbuster fight.

Posted by: New Leadership at May 16, 2005 10:07 AM

Newsweek knew what they were doing. Many of the people in the Middle East Countries believe that the Government of every country controls the media, because thats what their governments do. Unlike everyone else, the American Media can say or do just about anything they want to get the story out and promote their views.

Posted by: Sgt Fluffy at May 16, 2005 12:29 PM

I'm sure it's not PC, nor the most sensitive thinking but....

The way that I feel right now after all the crap we've taken from that part of the world - If someone manufactured toilet paper with the Koran printed on it, I'd buy it!!!!

Posted by: Odd Brian at May 16, 2005 01:06 PM

this may be a good thing. this may wake people up and let them see these people for who they really are. even if the story is true who on earty would riot and kill people because their holy book was flushed? Christinas are physically persecuted daily in muslim nations but why is it not reported. My God doesnt need protection from me, if the Bible was done this way I would not riot.

Posted by: shari at May 17, 2005 03:36 AM