Source: The Associated Press
On October 19, 2003 The Associated Press reported that President Bush's national security adviser Condoleezza Rice insisted Sunday that "the U.S. fight against terrorism is not a war between Christianity and Islam, despite a top general's comments that seemed to say it is. But Rice twice avoided a question about whether Bush will condemn statements by Army Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, the deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence. 'The president has been absolutely clear that this is not a war of religions,' Rice told ABC's 'This Week. 'Islam is a peaceful religion. The president is respectful of those who practice the Islamic faith,' Rice said." General Boykin has also recently claimed that his statements referring to a Muslim warlord in Somalia as an 'idol worshipper' were misinterpreted. Boykin's released a statement claiming that he spoke of Otto's 'worship of money and power; idolatry,' not of his religion. 'He was a corrupt man, not a follower of Islam,' Boykin said."