As the current US administration attempts to cozy up to Islamic nations, the Mideast remains the Mideast and the powder keg has been ignited once again, this time because a film that portrays Mohammed in a unfavorable light. The international Islamic community appears to be taking out its wrath against the United States.

After the murder of US Ambassador Chris Stevens in the attack against the US diplomatic facility in Benghazi earlier this week, the violence and anger directed at the United States continues to spread to other areas. Protestors pelting security troops with rocks were dispersed on Wednesday (25 Elul 5772) in Cairo, and protests continued in Libya.

In Egypt, the MENA agency reported arrests on Thursday (26 Elul) as angry Islamists continue their protests against the USA. Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi released a statement supporting the right to protest, but only non-violent protests, trying to calm tempers that blame a US film about Muhammad for sparking the latest round of Islamic violence.

In addition to events mentioned above, there was also violence reported outside the US Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen on Thursday. Windows of the diplomatic facility were smashed and protestors did manage to get into the heavily guarded main gate to the facility. Security personnel opened fire and Israel Radio reports casualties on both sides. At least one protestor was killed. Yemen President Mansour Hadi has issued a statement apologizing to President Barack Obama and the US for the “attack” that took place outside the US embassy.

America has increased security for its embassies worldwide and while the White House first appeared to try to play down the severity of its response to the death of a diplomat, it appears President Barak Obama is being pulled into a direction he wishes to avoid, but the international Islamic community seems to have a different agenda. Ironically the ambassador’s death came on September 11th, marking the anniversary of the infamous 9/11 attack in the United States.

The Republican candidate for US President Mitt Romney attacked the president for his weak response, expressing outrage at the lack of White House action following the embassy attack and the death of the ambassador.

In the US Embassy in Berlin, security officials were alarmed when an employee reported a foul smell coming from an envelope that arrived in the mail. CNN adds “an employee has fallen ill after receiving and opening visa documents, according to police in Berlin, Germany”. Three employees were transported to a hospital after complaining of difficulty breathing and other symptoms.

Not wishing to be outdone, protests are also taking place in Israel on Thursday, outside the US Embassy in Tel Aviv. Protestors shouted chants against the US and Israel while carrying a large Israeli flag with blood stains on it and a large red X through the center.

In Tehran, Islamic protestors stood outside the Swiss Embassy on Thursday to protest the US film.

President Barack Obama ordered increased security at US diplomatic missions overseas and vowed justice for the attack on the US consulate in Libya that killed the ambassador and three other people.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)