WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The Pentagon will investigate statements by a top Army officer who said the war against terrorism is religious, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.
Lt. Gen. William G. "Jerry" Boykin's remarks, some of which were captured on videotape, were delivered in uniform to evangelical Christian groups over the past 18 months.
They have drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and Islamic organizations in the United States and enraged Muslims abroad as inflammatory and politically damaging to administration efforts to woo support among Muslims for the fight against terrorism.
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said the formal inquiry was requested by the Boykin himself, who said he is "not anti-Islam," and insists his remarks have been misconstrued or taken out of context.
