"Images of the burning of a Koran would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan _ and around the world _ to inflame public opinion and incite violence," Gen. David Petraeus said in a statement.

Petraeus also warned images of burning Korans could be used to incite anti-American sentiment similar to the pictures of prisoner abuse at Iraq's Abu Graib prison.

"I am very concerned by the potential repercussions of the possible burning. Even the rumor that it might take place has sparked demonstrations such as the one that took place in Kabul yesterday," Petraeus said in his statement. "Were the actual burning to take place, the safety of our soldiers and civilians would be put in jeopardy and accomplishment of the mission would be made more difficult."

His comments come 4 days before the pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center said he plans to hold a "burn the Koran" day to mark the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States that provoked the Afghan war.

"We think the message is that important," said Pastor Terry Jones.  "We can not back down just because of fear, because if we back down, it won't make Islam any more moderate," said Jones.

The church's plans have incited multiple threats of violence from the Muslim world; the latest Monday in Afghanistan.  Hundreds of Afghans rallied outside a Kabul mosque, burning American flags and an effigy of Jones and chanting "death to America."  Some also held signs threatening President Obama.  Members of the crowd briefly pelted a passing U.S. military convoy with stones, but were ordered to stop by rally organizers.

Postings on a Islamic extremist website also threatened suicide bombings in Florida in response to the planned burning. 

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued a statement condemning the church's plans, saying Washington was "deeply concerned about deliberate attempts to offend members of religious or ethnic groups."

The New Black Panther Party plans a counter-protest at the church on Saturday.  Spokesman Mikhail Muhammad said "I believe in peace, but if you agress [sic] me I'm going to fight back."  "He's going to incite a wrath and chastisement on himself that he will not be able to bear," said Muhammad.

Jones, though, said he's not surprised at the threats of violence; "That is the nature of Sharia law, that is the nature of violent Islam."