Opinion

Our next move in A’stan after Koran-burning riots

The Issue: The threats facing the US military in Afghanistan following the accidental Koran burning.

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Our troops are being assassinated in Afghanistan in a very cowardly way by the same people we are trying to help (“Enemy Inside the Gates,” Paul Sperry, PostScript, March 4).

Instead of apologies, which are considered a sign of weakness in that part of the world, an ultimatum should be issued:

Stop the killing and the out-of-control demonstrations or US troops will be pulled out immediately, thus opening the door for the return of the Taliban.

One of three things could happen: Not wanting a return of the Taliban, the people will calm down; if the Taliban is behind the killings and riots, the masses will overrule or disregard them and things will calm down, or things continue as they are and we pull all of our troops out of Afghanistan after an all-out assault on the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Another alternative is to keep apologizing and make speeches as more American troops get assassinated.

Ron Wootters

Lambertville, NJ

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American military personnel accidently threw away copies of the Koran, which were eventually burned. As a result, some Afghans started protesting and even chanted death threats.

Their quick temperament is completely opposed to what the Koran teaches: “Those who spend in prosperity and adversity, and those who suppress anger and pardon men; and Allah loves those who do good.”

President Obama later apologized on behalf of the military to the Afghan people. Isn’t it ironic how a non-Muslim demonstrated the true spirit of this verse?

Hassan Mirza

Worthington, Ohio

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The Afghans cannot wait until 2014 to get rid of us. They are murdering our soldiers over a printed book that inadvertently went up in flames.

Let’s pull out now. We liberated Afghanistan from the Taliban, spilled our soldiers’ blood and spent billions of dollars on their behalf — obviously, it’s unforgivable that we did them these favors.

Veronica McNiff

North Palm Beach, Fla.

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As a Muslim-American who emigrated from that region, I understand why the Afghans are angry and frustrated with our government.

But they must realize that burning the Koran was a mistake, while their heinous killing of US soldiers is a deliberate choice.

There is a way for my Muslim Afghan brothers to be good again — accept the president’s apology.

Kamran Khan

Mount Prospect, Ill.