US on the defensive over Quran abuse

At least 14 people have been killed in protests in Afghanistan, there have also been anti-American rallies in Pakistan and words of concern from many Muslim bodies such as the Arab League.

Solemn expressions of respect for Islam by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and promises that an inquiry has been launched and punishment for any culprit have failed to stem the anger.

President George W. Bush's administration seems at a loss to find ways to calm a Muslim world already offended by the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, and general conditions at the Guantamo Bay detention camp where the alleged desecration took place.

"At this point there is going to be an investigation, but either way, whether it proves that these allegations are false, or if they prove to unfortunately be true, it is a black eye in terms of public relations for the United States," said Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.