Germany is to close its embassies in many Islamic countries on Friday, when a fresh round of protests against an anti-Islam video and cartoons is expected. While some German embassies in the region routinely close on Fridays, the order issued by Berlin on Thursday extends to a larger number deemed to be at risk, dpa reported. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle did not say how many would be affected, but added that the diplomats were ordered to stay away from their offices.