Egyptian radicals waving Al Qaeda flags, storm outside of US Embassy on anniversary of 9/11, Guy Fawkes masks on the wall (Updated)

Egyptians storming walls, taking down and burning flag. Guy Fawkes mask, the symbol of Anonymous and Occupy on the wall.

“Bin Laden” written on embassy sign, militants flying Iraqi flags.  Twitpic from “Anonymous” Mad Darsh

Today, Egyptian protesters climbed the walls of the US Embassy in Cairo, pulled down the American flag, ripping it to shreds, then subsequently burning it. The American flag was replaced with an Al Qaeda flag.

On the wall you can see Guy Fawkes masks the symbol of Anonymous and the Occupy movement. Anonymous was involved in some aspects of the Arab Spring. Occupiers were also involved in organizing in Egypt.  You can also see “A-C-A-B” which is a common radical/Occupy chant meaning “All cops are bastards” and underneath that is “USA”, seemingly a reference to the United States being regarded as a “policeman” in the region. The bottom right corner of the black flags have “AQ”, presumably for Al Qaeda.

There are some reports this started because of a movie viewed as anti-Muslim was produced in the United States.  It is not clear what prompted this particular outcry, although today is September 11. The embassy was given some sort of a warning ahead of time, so personnel was told to stay home.

“Our days, O worshipers of the cross … We are all bin Laden”. Credit Anonymous Mad Darsh.  HT @Aim22High

“Bin Laden” on the embassy sign. Also says “United states of Muslim”

“oh Obama all of us are grandsons of Osama”. Small protest chanting “iIam a terrorist”. Credit Betsy Hiel, Pittsburgh Tribune REview

USembassy Cairo wall: “khaibar khaibar oh Jews the army of Muhammed is coming”. Credit Betsy Hiel, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Updated with vivid video of abuse of American flag.

Video of raising of Al Qaeda flag, HT Betsy Hiel, Pittsburgh Tribune Review

watch?v=8gBWz6CPGzs&feature=player_embedded

It is unbelievable but in the face of this, the US Embassy released the following statement:

U.S. Embassy Condemns Religious Incitement

September 11, 2012

The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others

Update:

The White House is disavowing this statement, claiming it was “not cleared” with them. However, the statement of Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State, presumably officially “cleared” starts with almost as much of a disavowal of denigration of religion.

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Here is screenshot of Anonymous “Mad Darsh” who took the picture at the Embassy:

Here is an old picture of Occupy protest with ACAB sign, HT Laura Walker