BAGHDAD, 19 May 2008 — A wave of uncontrollable fury and indignation swept through the Muslim world yesterday after it was discovered that one of the American soldiers in Iraq had used the Holy Qur’an for target practice at a shooting range near Baghdad.

The bullet-riddled Qur’an with offensive graffiti scrawled inside the cover was found at a small-arms range near a police station in Radwaniya. American commanders immediately launched an inquiry that led to disciplinary action against the soldier, said US military spokesman Col. Bill Buckner. “He has been disciplined and ordered out of Iraq,” he added.

Buckner described the incident as “serious and deeply troubling.” Besides being shipped out of Iraq, Buckner did not make it clear as to what other disciplinary action was being taken against the soldier.

Saeed Al-Zubaie, head of an Iraqi tribal council in the area where the bullet-riddled Qur’an was found, said the Holy Book had been used as target practice. It was peppered with 14 bullets and offensive language had been scrawled inside, he said.

“Coalition commanders have briefed local leaders on the results of the investigation and expressed their deep regret,” Buckner said. “They have also undertaken disciplinary action against the soldier (who was behind this desecration).”

The Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq called it “a hideous act against the book of Almighty God and the constitution of the nation and the source of its glory and dignity.” In a statement, the association said: “We condemn the silence by all those who are part of the occupation’s agenda and hold the occupation and the current government fully responsible for this violation and remind everyone that God preserves His book and He (God) is a great avenger.”

The soldier’s whereabouts was not immediately known. In his statement, Buckner stressed that the US military respected Islam and the Qur’an.

CNN said when Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, the commander of US troops in Baghdad, and other officers arrived to deliver the apology to local leaders in Radwaniya they were met by hundreds of protesting Iraqis.

“I am a man of honor, I am a man of character. You have my word this will never happen again,” Hammond told the crowd. “In the most humble manner, I look into your eyes today and I say, please forgive me and my soldiers,” CNN reported on its website. “I’ve come to this land to protect you, to support you... this soldier has lost the honor to serve the US Army and the people of Iraq here in Baghdad.”

CNN said Col. Ted Martin, a brigade commander, held up a new copy of the Qur’an which he kissed and touched to his forehead as he handed it to the tribal elders. “I hope that you’ll accept this humble gift,” Col. Martin said.

The Jeddah-based Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) condemned the desecration and described the American soldier’s action as reprehensible and irresponsible. “It cannot be condoned under any pretext,” said an OIC spokesman. He, however, appreciated the US Army’s prompt disciplinary action against the soldier and for issuing a statement of apology. “We hope the American authorities will take all necessary measures to ensure that such acts of incitement and provocation are not repeated.”