My guess is that it is an attempt to cover for Newsweek. I would go with the Nepotism angle, especially given the fact that the Times isn't always all that even handed with their headlines, but even on this one the Times got it right.

I have a real problem with the story at a base level.

I just came form the story about the work of art of Bush being sodomized was too much for a public showing, but the piece with Pope Benedict XVI with the swastikas was okay. Go figure.

This story has a book being dropped and it is referred to as torture, but other forms of religious disrespect are supported with public tax funding. Go figure.

Excuse me, but Newsweek is an ass. This story was about not only a Quran/Koran being put down a toilet happening, which it wasn't, but the stated fact by Newsweek that it would be forthcoming in a Defense Department report, which it isn't. Newsweek was wrong and wrong .. they screwed the pooch. Once screwed this pooch doesn't every become unscrewed.
The a--....s, I mean editors, at the WaPo deserve a mention in the continuation of the screwing of this same pooch. If the editors think that they can change that to a "right and wrong", by slight of hand, it doesn't matter .. the pooch remains screwed .. and they are now accomplices. Newsweek is still wrong. Got that WaPo.

I'm sure this will get BBC coverage as the BBC has decided that it is now okay to air bestiality .. but never a Quran/Koran being dropped. Go figure.

The MSM continues its race to the bottom. It lies and disembles even when the truth has been announced. I guess circling the wagons against reality is the tactic of the day for the profession that dare not speak its name.

The number of ways it is possible to desecrate the Koran are truly staggering. Here are a few:

Touching it if you are not Muslim.

Touching the bag or box it’s in.

Having a dog in the house while reading the Koran.

Placing a book on the Koran.

Placing a crucifix in urine is NOT one of the ways. In fact, it's encouraged.

Go here and follow the link.

I don't mean to be churlish, but I think this desperate attempt to support Newsweek is making these people look ridiculous. I don't think that the average American is going to feel great compunction if someone inadvertently touches the darn book.

They can rant all they want, but you just know those in flyover country are going to read these shocking tales and conclude that every claim of detainee abuse is this much BS.