Petraeus: Anti-Koran protest would endanger US troops

The top US commander in Afghanistan warned that a US church’s threat to burn copies of the Muslim holy book could endanger US troops and Americans worldwide.

General David Petraeus said images of burning Korans would “undoubtedly” be used by extremists to incite violence.

In an e-mail, he said this would “put our troopers and civilians in jeopardy” and undermine the mission in Afghanistan.

A Gainesville, Florida-based church, the Dove World Outreach Centre, said it will burn Korans on church grounds to mark the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States that provoked the Afghan war.

Afghans yesterday rallied in Kabul to protest against the church’s plans.