Did y'all see this--Coalition destroying Iraqi cultural heritage?

[Maeve]

Hubby mentioned this last night and I admit I missed it the first time. Granted, it's not been covered by the US press, but...damn!
This is the best I could Google on the issue..

While destroying Saddam's military framework, the US-led coalition forces, during and after the war, have also devastated many of the country's precious cultural relics, which even Saddam honoured.

According to Mofeed al-Jazaeri, Iraqi Culture Minister, foreign forces stationed in his country have caused serious damage to its ancient sites, including Babylon, one of the world's most renowned archaeological treasures.

On Sunday the minister said Polish-led forces based at Babylon, 100 kilometres south of Baghdad, have caused irreparable damage to the ancient city because of their use of heavy equipment, helicopters and other machinery

<more>

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-08/05/content_359044.htm

[Malva Zebrina]

1. One of objects of establishing a colony is to destroy every vestige

of the culture--from it's history down to it's language, in order to sujugate and weaken the people. This one has an added goal--it is biblical --

[iconoclastic cat]

3. Holy crap!

I forgot about that! I remember that whole methodology from some undergraduate course long, long ago. You're right! So when does Rumsfeld roll up with the smallpox blankets--oh, wait, that's what the depleted uranium is for. Silly me.

[Malva Zebrina]

7. Must have been the same course I took

This informative and well researched essay by Harzenski is full of facts re violence and especially the events in Algeria as written about by Fanon et al. I enjoyed this refresher course. Maybe others will also. It is a PDF file so need Adobe Acrobat


http://www.temple.edu/iilpp/images/PDFs/HarzenskiSharonViolence.pdf

[leftchick]

2. I actually have seen articles about the Babylon destruction.....

in the last few weeks. I am sure it is intentional and part of the "neo-con" plan for Iraq.

[kimchi]

4. I have no doubt.

When we looked the other way while the museums were looted and artifacts destroyed at the beginning of the invasion, why would anyone think that kind of cultural hubris would stop?

"Well, it may be 5,000 years old, but if it ain't oil--we got no use for it."

Inanna and Dumuzi are weeping right now.

[Jacobin]

5. Please keep in mind that this source

also reported an Onion article as true about 18 months ago.

I have no doubt that the U.S. is destroying Iraq's culture just as it is killing its people, forcing a government on it, blowing up its buildings and infrastracture, but I would take this one with a grain of salt due its its parentage

[Maeve]

9. Al-Jazeera also reported it

And may have been the original source. Not sure where Hubby caught the story first, though. Appreciate the warning on the source,btw. When I heard this I figured DUers would be the best folks to ask!

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/EEFBD5A1-B731-457D-812E-A6D5CCFD51E7.htm

[Hidebo]

6. this is a flat out lie

disgusting Anti-American propaganda from China

[Malva Zebrina]

8. well then I suggest you stop buying stuff imported from China eh

betcha got at least a pair of sneakers that were made there--or maybe some stainless steel pots, or a shirt or two. LOL Maybe even an American flag!

[leftchick]

10. yes isn't it disgusting?

we import our propaganda from China too! :crazy:

[DrWeird]

11. The problem is it's true.

It's been reported numerous times in numerous different journals.

Are you really so naive to think we're the good guys here?

[merh]

13. The American journalist that was held hostage and just

released is in Iraq specifically studying and documenting the destruction of the historical sites. He will not leave Iraq and will continue his research, it is that important to him.

(Wonder why he was captured - hmmmmm did he see too much?)

[rucky]

12. oh, those old things?

americantaliban