Some Americans still skeptical of Islam
ALBANY, GA -- Nine years after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, many Americans still seem skeptical of the Islamic religion, particularly Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Florida.
Jones ignited a firestorm of debate this week when he announced plans to burn copies of the Koran to mark the 9-11 anniversary.
"We realize that these actions will probably offend Muslims just like I’m offended when they burn the Bible or they burn the American flag," said Jones. "What we’re aiming at is that radical element we feel that is much larger than our politicians want us to believe."
Alexander Okashah is a member of the Islamic Center of Albany where his father serves as Imam. He sees the matter differently.
"They want to send out a message that, you know, we’re against terrorists, you know, so they’re putting that brand on all of Islam," said Okashah.
The controversy has also refocused attention on plans to build a mosque just a few blocks from where the World Trade Center once stood.
Mr. Okashah said he supports the building of the mosque near Ground Zero because it will serve as a place where people can come and learn about the religion of Islam. He also told us that that the same is true at the Islamic Center of Albany where they teach the true meaning of the Koran.
"This Imam, he’s trying to show the people that, you know, Islam is not a terrorist organization or a terrorist religion," said Okashah.
On Wednesday, Pastor Jones confirmed that he will follow through on his plans for 'Burn a Koran Day' on Saturday.
If you have tried visiting the Dove World Outreach Center website, it's no longer loading. The center "violated the hate-speech provision of our acceptable-use policy," explained Rackspace spokesman Dan Goodgame. "This is not a constitutional issue. This is a contract issue," said Goodgame, who added he did not know how long it had hosted the church's sites.