Breaking News - Steeple, cross at US Army base in Afghanistan raise hackles

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American AtheistsThe chapel at U.S. Forward Operating Base Orgun-E, Afghanistan with its makeshift steeple and cross on Jan. 19, 2013By Kari Huus, Staff writer, NBC NewsU.S. military commanders in Afghanistan on Thursday ordered the removal of a steeple and crucifix erected over a remote American base in the Muslim country after a soldier deployed there noted that the symbols violated Army regulations, and could reinforce suspicions that the United States is fighting a holy war.

It is unclear how long ago the Christian symbols at the chapel at Forward Operating Base Orgun-E had been in place. In terms of religious displays, they are hardly ostentatious — a cross on a small rooftop steeple and cross-shaped windows in the doors. But Sgt. Joel Muhlnickel was alarmed by the symbolism at Orgun-E, especially the cross that rises up over the rooftops at the base.

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