US military express regret for PR blunder in Afghanistan

The US military regrets any offense it may have caused by handing out a soccer ball emblazoned with the name of Allah on it as part of a botched public relations exercise in Afghanistan, a spokesman said today.

At least one of the balls – which were dropped by helicopter to children in Khost province in western Afghanistan on Friday – carried a small picture of the Saudi Arabia flag.

The flag features in Arabic script the Islamic declaration of faith, which contains the words Allah and the Prophet Mohammed.

Villagers were “upset and angry” when they saw the ball, said Khost governor Arsalah Jamal.

“They wanted to demonstrate, but we explained to them it was a mistake,” he said.

Muslims treat with the utmost respect any printed matter containing verses of the Koran or the name of Allah or his prophet on it. Most Muslims find the idea of kicking a ball emblazoned with the names as deeply offensive.

“The distribution of soccer balls was done in the spirit of good will,” said Sgt Dean Welch, a spokesman for the US-led coalition.

“We regret any disturbance that was caused in this case.”