Bob Collins
Time for another installment of “You Are.”
Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of forces in Afghanistan, issued a statement today, urging a preacher in Florida not to carry out plans to burn the Quran to commemorate 9/11.
“Images of the burning of a Koran would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan – and around the world – to inflame public opinion and incite violence,” Petraeus said. “Such images could, in fact, be used as were the photos from [Abu Ghraib]. And this would, again, put our troopers and civilians in jeopardy and undermine our efforts to accomplish the critical mission here in Afghanistan.”
Petraeus’ statement has been characterized by news organizations as a message to pastor Terry Jones, but the wording also seems to carry a message to news organizations: Don’t cover it. Without images and film of someone burning the Quran, the intended effect — to inflame the Islamic word — will be somewhat muted.
You are the editor of a major news organization. How do you cover the event if you cover it at all?
