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1

we really, really, really suck

Posted by proud to be an american | April 12, 2007 1:28 PM
2

On the other hand, it probably makes sense to the Iraqis. Blood money is a pretty common form of compensation and is specified in the Koran.

Life is cheap. Here is our schedule of fees, check the box that applies to your case.

Posted by smade | April 12, 2007 1:55 PM
3

I don't understand why the NYT is treating the topic so favorably. It's the old "How much is your child or husband's life worth?" question.

Hell, if money for dead relatives is such a great solution to a bad war, shouldn't we then expect people to push their unwanted relatives into the path of a helicopter patrol with a nerf gun in their hands, or prop them up in cars with a brick on the accelerator aimed at a checkpoint?

Posted by K | April 12, 2007 2:54 PM
4

When we withdraw in defeat & shame it the joy of defeating the Great Satan might make up for it a little.

Then the World Court will extract reparations out of our taxpayer hides for the rest of our natural days.

I agree, we really really suck. But President Narcissist sucks the most.

Posted by Max Solomon | April 12, 2007 3:14 PM
5

None of these civilians should be dying in the first place.

That said, paying compensation is at least culturally appropriate. I know it sounds offensive to a lot of people raised in the west who assume everyone has the same expectations they do, but diyat is indeed mentioned in the Koran and Hadith. It is well-established in Arab culture and is really the only way to stop tit-for-tat killings in a tribal society.

Again, there shouldn't be civilian deaths (just like there shouldn't be an invasion) but when it happens the families should be compensated. It is what they expect: it's the only tangible way to show contrition and respect for their loss. It's just like a wrongful death lawsuit in the US, except all the money goes to the next of kin and none goes to lawyers.

Posted by Yusef | April 12, 2007 11:30 PM
6

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