The Taliban is using a trick similar to that used by Sadaam Hussein's forces during the Gulf War: they are deliberately hiding troops and weapons near Red Cross/Red Crescent buildings, in mosques and in residential areas.

If you're the commander on the spot and you have Bin Ladin in your sights, but he happens to be standing at the window of a Mosque that's 500 years old and considered holy by the locals, what do you do?

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

Answers

Buildings are just stuff. They can be replaced. IF bin Ladin is to be taken out per orders, then I take him out.

I liken this scenario to the time not long ago when the Taliban destroyed centuries-old Buddhist statues. They were just 'things'. Beautiful, sacred treasures - yes. But there's really no worthwhile no comparison between material goods & life itself in terms of value.

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

shoot

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

If we truly knew where he was, we could go in and get him. No need to blow-up mosques or hospitals where the low-life hides.

Hey, I know. Gas him, then fumigate the mosque.

Doesn't matter that much. We will be criticized by the Usual Suspects, regardless.

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

That's not just a rhetorical question, by the way. In WWII, the Allies demolished an ancient monastery in the mountains of Italy because they thought the Germans were holed up in it (because the Germans HAD hid in similar buildings in the past).

(Someone check my memory: wasn't that while Lucian Truscott was commanding?)

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

Simple, you blow up the mosque, and then when the war is over you build them a new one modeled after Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral complete with the new food court. I hear it has a Dairy Queen that is "heavenly".

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001

Allah loves you and so do I.

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001

Somebody need to have a serious refresher in accuracy.

Maybe sufficient practice would obviate the question.

Hell, if you got him in your sights why would it hurt the building.

Me thinks some here don't know how to shoot.

Either that or they are using WAY to much weapon.

- Greybear

-- Got Scopes ?

-- Anonymous, October 18, 2001

I'd go with gas him, good answer Lars. I'm not into destroying buildings (unless the city inspector recommends it); I just want him and his power gone.

-- Anonymous, October 18, 2001