Hiding in Mosques

Michael J. Totten, after some discussion of yesterday’s action wherein our forces took out part of the outer wall of a mosque from which hostile fire was emanating, wonders

Will mainstream Iraqis blame the thugs who desecrate the mosque in the first place? Or will they believe the worst about us and think we̢۪re out to get innocent people? I don̢۪t know enough about Iraqi culture to say.

Nor do I. Given what we’ve seen of Arab reaction in general, though, I doubt much blame will go to the cowards who hide behind supposedly sacred places while attacking the Infidels. There are no good choices in situations like this. I’d err on the side of saving Marines and killing bad guys.

FILED UNDER: Iraq War,
James Joyner
About James Joyner
James Joyner is Professor and Department Head of Security Studies at Marine Corps University's Command and Staff College. He's a former Army officer and Desert Storm veteran. Views expressed here are his own. Follow James on Twitter @DrJJoyner.

Comments

  1. Fersboo says:

    Level a few mosques that the Islamofascists are using for cover. The US is already getting bad press, why not use it to our benefit.

  2. moghedien says:

    When people talk about Arab culture, they only seem to talk about Islam, as if it’s the only thing that governs their actions. I think once you strip away the Islam, you’re left with people who think like the Ayrian Brotherhood. And these Aryians are going to excuse their fellow Aryians a lot before they listen to the “mud people”

  3. I.M. Rhimin says:

    Bombing the Mosque

    It is bad manners, some might say,
    to flat out blow a mosque away.
    Perhaps their point of view would change
    were they the grunts in rifle range.

  4. Cass says:

    You are absolutely right. This will result in a world if grief but appeasing cowards and thugs to be PC is no answer. What are they going to do if some major mosques are taken out? Be nasty to us? I think crunch time is coming and although I’m not likely to be around to see it, better sooner than later.
    Regards
    Cass