Afghans torch Obama's effigy to protest burning of Koran

Afghans torch Obama's effigy to protest burning of Koran

Afghans continue to protest burning of the Koran by American Pastor Terry Jones. The Taliban has called on people to rise up, blaming government forces for any violence. Many of the demonstrations have turned into deadly riots, with 20 already reported dead in the clashes. In southern Kandahar city on Sunday, hundreds took to the streets for the second day in a row, and hospital officials reported 20 people were hurt. On the same day, 20 were killed and dozens wounded in the city of Jalalabad.

Koran burning free speech in America?

Koran burning free speech in America?

Protests continue to rage in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan following initial protests which left at least seven UN workers, five protesters died and many others wounded.The protests followed reports that a pastor in the United States burned a copy of the Koran. The act seen as sinful across the Middle East, is protected free speech in America. Is the right to free speech worth the loss of lives? Blogger and political commentator Michael Haltman argues free speech must be protected as a fundamental American principle

Afghans continue rioting over Koran burning

Afghans continue rioting over Koran burning

In the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan protesters rallying against Koran burnings have killed at least seven UN workers and wounded many others. Five protesters also died in the chaos. RT blogger from Veterans for Rethinking Afghanistan Jake Diliberto says the burning of the Koran event is symbolic and shows how the US policy in the Middle East is fractured. He also notes that America should fundamentally change its strategy in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and Yemen