Petraeus Condemns U.S. Church's Plan to Burn Qurans (WSJ)

EXCERPT:

KABUL-The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said the planned burning of Qurans on Sept. 11 by a small Florida church could put the lives of American troops in danger and damage the war effort.

Gen. David Petraeus said the Taliban would exploit the demonstration for propaganda purposes, drumming up anger toward the U.S. and making it harder for allied troops to carry out their mission of protecting Afghan civilians.

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Gen. Caldwell said many Afghans do not understand either the U.S. Constitution's First AmendmentThis Amendment prohibits the government from making laws that establish religion or prohibit free exercise of religion, infringe the freedom of speech, infringe the freedom of the press, limit the right to assemble peaceably, or limit the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. or the fact that President Barack Obama can't simply issue1. The disputed point between parties in a lawsuit; 2. To send out officially, as in a court issuing an order. a decree to stop Mr. Jones from his demonstration.

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"There is no question about First Amendment rights; that is not the issue," Gen. Caldwell said. "The question is: What is the implication over here? It is going to jeopardize the men and women serving in Afghanistan."

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