Frenzy

Obama: Quran Burning 'A Destructive Act'

Could cause "serious violence" against American troops.

President Obama condemned the Rev. Terry Jones’ plan to burn copies of the Quran on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks as “a destructive act” that could cause “serious violence” for American troops in Afghanistan. In an interview with Good Morning America, the president said the burning would be a “recruitment bonanza for al Qaeda.” He added: "If he's listening, I just hope he understands that what he's proposing to do is completely contrary to our values… As a very practical matter… I just want him to understand that this stunt that he is pulling could greatly endanger our young men and women in uniform who are in Iraq, who are in Afghanistan." People in Afghanistan and Indonesia have protested against the Florida preacher’s stunt, and the FBI has warned that extremists would retaliate. Jones said he will pray about the holy book burning, but go ahead with it.