British Troops Trash "Babylon"

This is proof that the old expression "darned if you do, and darned it you don't" is simply inadequate to the situation in Iraq.

The British Museum said U.S. and Polish forces in Iraq have crushed part of ancient Babylon's 2,600-year-old brick paved streets with their tanks and used soil containing archeological artifacts to fill sandbags. The museum is concerned U.S.-led troops, including U.S. marines and the Polish force who have occupied the ancient Mesopotamian capital, have inflicted widespread damage to the ancient centre of civilization, said a report released yesterday.

Now, readers know I am a fan of science, and a student of history. But it seems to me that sometimes you have to allow the present a lessening of suffering at the expense of remembering the past. While we should preserve what we can, we must remember Babylon is long dead while Iraqis are alive and need protection... even if the protection requires the cracking of some ancient roads. I'd rather weep for the loss of a piece of ancient art than weep for another thousand dead from Sadaam's cruelty.