Sep 15, 2012 No Comments ›› Pat Dollard
(CNN) – Downtown Cairo, scene of the first protest over an anti-Islam film, appeared calm Saturday evening, hours after security forces pushed protesters away from the U.S. Embassy toward Tahrir Square, where they were further dispersed.
As the United States strengthened security at diplomatic stations amid the anger, demonstrators clashed with police outside the American Consulate in Sydney.
Carrying signs that read: “Obama, Obama, we like Osama” and “Behead All Those Who Insult the Prophet,” hundreds of protesters gathered on the steps of the consulate.
The demonstration turned violent after protesters were pushed back from the building.
Authorities used tear gas and police dogs to disperse protesters who threw bottles and shoes — considered a grave insult among Muslims. Six police officers were injured and eight people were arrested, Sydney police said. Seventeen people were treated for the effects of pepper spray used by police.
In his weekly address, U.S. President Barack Obama acknowledged “images on our televisions are disturbing.”
“But let us never forget that for every angry mob, there are millions who yearn for the freedom and dignity and hope that our flag represents,” Obama said.
Obama reiterated that those who killed U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi will be brought to justice.
FBI investigators probing the killings put off a visit until conditions in the volatile region are safer. Agents had hoped to arrive in Libya on Saturday, federal law enforcement officials said.
Hundreds of Egyptian riot police remained in Tahrir Square as workers cleaned streets and businesses and assessed damage from five days of protests.
From Morocco to Malaysia, thousands of Muslims have taken to the streets in recent days — with sometimes deadly results — over the release of a 14-minute trailer, privately produced in the United States, that mocks the Prophet Mohammed as a womanizer, child molester and ruthless killer.
Disagreement over how Benghazi attack began
Top Western diplomats warned leaders in countries where the unrest has been most pronounced to ensure the protection of its missions and its people.
“I am following the unfolding events with grave concern and call on national authorities in all countries concerned to swiftly ensure the security of diplomatic missions and protect diplomatic staff,” Catherine Ashton, the European Union foreign affairs chief, said in a statement.
U.S. Marines were dispatched to Libya and Yemen to safeguard American diplomatic posts, according to U.S. officials. Marines that were to travel to Sudan returned pending further discussions with the government there, a U.S. official said.
