WAR: US Forces Approach Najaf Holy Site

As fighting continues in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, US tanks have moved within 500 yards of the holy Imam Ali Shrine, where many militants are finding shelter from US attacks. A cease-fire held in Najaf ended Sunday, along with dialogue between the Iraqi government and representatives from Najaf's militant groups, bringing a new wave of attacks to the city.



It dosen't really help matters to threaten holy sites. Religious fanatics do not react well to people tampering with the things they are fanatical about. But, if those causing trouble are hiding behind their holy shrines, the US dosen't have too many options. It is a tough situation with no clear means of action. Although, that is just like the current state of world affairs.

[edit on 8/16/2004 by lockheed]

[edit on 16-8-2004 by John bull 1]

Originally posted by lockheed
Religious fanatics do not react well to people tampering with the things they are fanatical about

Religious fanatics do not react well to people ... period. If the mosque
gets blown up it's their own fault. Let it blow. It can be rebuilt.

I'd pump the area with gas - like the Russians did at that theatre.
Put's the people to sleep, the building is spared. Don't know if it
can be done in the mosque though. It might not be airtight enough.

Originally posted by FlyersFan

Originally posted by lockheed
Religious fanatics do not react well to people tampering with the things they are fanatical about

Religious fanatics do not react well to people ... period. If the mosque
gets blown up it's their own fault. Let it blow. It can be rebuilt.

I'd pump the area with gas - like the Russians did at that theatre.
Put's the people to sleep, the building is spared. Don't know if it
can be done in the mosque though. It might not be airtight enough.

Actually, you bring up a good point FlyersFan, what do fanatics react well too? I'd like to understand what goes through these peoples minds.... I personally am not one to run around screaming and shooting things. But then again... I'm not much of one for bringing about Armageddon or slaughtering infidels either.

Face facts people those filed with religious fanaticm or another rightous cause will never cease from there devotion to a cause. We face similar problems within the USA. The only difference we use civil disobediance to pursue our complaints. Iraq at the present time lacks a government that can impose little or no force to quell the violent activities of these religious or criminal groups.

Human Shields and Militants Await Tanks

Around 2000 Iraqi civilian "volunteers" have formed a human shield around Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr in Najaf as US-led forces beseige the city.

Any serious damage to the revered site would enrage millions of Shias around the world. However, US commanders have said they do not intend to attack the shrine itself.

The volunteers said they had no serious military training. But they seem ready to fire an AK-47 rifle or rocket-propelled grenade and use any means to try to block an advance by US tanks positioned in neighbourhoods near the shrine.

Al Jazeera: Iraqi 'human shields' flock to Najaf

The longer the Americans wait to launch any offensive, the more time Sadr has to gain new supporters and entrench them inside the sprawling mosque.

fools, by volunteering to be shields to help militants they become viable targets and the geneva convention wont protect them.

What a bunch of chicken ***** , hiding in a site that they hope will keep them for getting hurt while firing out of it. If it goes up in smoke, the people who need to be blamed are the people hiding in it. It has become a hostile HQ and should be targeted. I hate to say it, but if they don't want it to go, then don't go there.

It's no big deal really. All they have to do is gas them. If they OD on the gas like they did in Russia then big deal, who cares. They'll most likely die one way or the other anyway. At least the mosque will remain undamaged.

Heres an update, on the story...