April 21, 2003 4:27 AM BST
First, I think the soldiers were still focused on battle, and while certain cultural resources might be important, taking care of the business at hand (and staying alive in the process) was the top priority. Now that things have calmed down, I'm sure less important matters, such as libraries and museums, will be dealt with accordingly. I certainly don't blame the American and British soldiers, because they had their hands full with matters of life and death.
I, too, think the Iraqi looters hurt their own country, but it is their country, and Iraq is a war zone. That type of thing happens during times of chaos. I hate seeing anything of cultural value stolen, damaged, or destroyed. It didn't make any sense to damage/destroy the libraries and museums, but I can understand why palaces and government offices would've been looted. That wealth came from the Iraqi people in the first place, so they took some back. It doesn't really justify their actions, but it does explain some of them. Still, looting is looting.
"Slow and painful death"?
Heather, this is about as fired up as I've ever seen you!