Looting in Baghdad

Submitted by joel fishman, phd. (Israel), Apr 23, 2003 at 13:02

Dear Dr. Pipes:

Most of the time I find myself in agreement with you, but your essay on the looting in Baghdad just does not wash. Mobs are usually mean and ugly where ever they are.
If the US took precautions to safeguard the oilwells of Iraq, it should have done the same with its cultural treasures. It also had a responsibility to do so. Permitting civil disorder is also a sign of weakness and, I am sure that this was also perceived to be the case. Many things just happen, but in this case preventing such plunder was and remains the responsibility of an occupying power. I am always inclined to give the US the benefit of the doubt, but this was a case of serious negligence.

Joel Fishman

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