The Ancient Ruins of Hatra Iraq
HATRA, IRAQ – Remains of the giant columns, temples and fortifications of the 2,600-year-old city of Hatra tower over the Iraqi desert.
This was a major city along the Silk Road. Hatra sent caravans of traders throughout the Middle East with spices, woodwork and gems. It was a tolerant center of diverse religions that twice repulsed Roman invaders.
Now the 1st Battalion of the 37th Field Artillery Regiment from Fort Lewis does daily combat patrols in the area, and religious tolerance is hard to come by. Just a month ago, a suicide car bomber killed several people in the neighboring settlement of al-Hatra.
But the U.S. soldiers draw inspiration from the beautiful ruins, hoping someday they can be a world-renowned center of tourism.
“It’s remarkable that it’s still standing in a place of pretty much chaos,†said Capt. Alex Aquino, a 26-year-old who lived in Tacoma before the Stryker brigade deployed in July. “It’s like there is some hope, if this thing can last after all the stuff that has happened in Iraq.â€
Archeologists have been concerned about damage done to the ruins during the Battle of Iraq. There has been looting by insurgents and stockpiles of weapons found and destroyed nearby. Local sheiks have asked US Soldiers to help protect the ruins.
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So What’s Everybody Talking About?
October 18 - 19, 2006
Just link and trackback to this post. Nothing to it but to do it.
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chezDiva has some beauty tips and says it really is about the hair.
The Median Sib reflects on blogging.
Toasted Bread sets the record straight about The Spanish National Day Parade and the crowds reaction to Zapatero’s disrespect for the U.S. flag.
7.62 Justice explains why being called islamophobic isn’t necessarily an insult.
Peace Moonbeam and Jimmy Jong-Il (Squid) try to stop North Korea’s nuclear tests without success. Even worse, Jimmy Jong-Il goes over to the dark side.
Just Raven has some beautiful fall pictures of Maine.
Adam is vidblogging - go check out his new video.
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Others with open trackbacks: Random Yak, TMH’s Bacon Bits, Third World County, Planck’s Constant, Clash of Civilizations, Stuck on Stupid
Disclaimer: trackbacks to this post do not necessarily represent the opinions or standards of the Blue Star Chronicles.
Please check out the posts linked below ~~~~~
October 18th, 2006 at 9:42 am
Ya gotta have a goal in life, I guess…
From a source who shall remain anonymous, news on the Foley Front…
……
October 18th, 2006 at 11:19 am
WTW: Torture? You Call That Torture…
Good morning, infidels. Prophet Sallami Sallami Mohammed here, and I am amazed at all the hand wringing coming from your American Left/Democrats over the so called "terrorist torture" bill. Like the Hon. Elizebeth Holtzman
"Today will g…
October 18th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
Hi Beth! Thanks for the plug
October 18th, 2006 at 12:37 pm
A Call to Christians…
Christians: itÂ’s time to get back to the basics! Is this the face of Christianity that you want the world to accept? Is this what it truly means to be a follower of Christ?
…
October 18th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
The Little Marine…
This is an amazing story on many levels. I found it through One Marine’s View. The story was sent to Captain B and posted by Major Pain and all I can say is WOW! Meet the Little Marine, Taylor.
Hello Captain B,
Let me introduce myself to you and…
October 18th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Border Babies Booming…
‘Border baby’ boom strains S. Texas
More illegal immigrants are pouring into the state to give birth…
October 18th, 2006 at 5:11 pm
Hey Peace - thanks for coming by. You know we all love you
October 18th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Alfred Ockenfels for Child Molester, Joseph Baiung…
On first glance, it appears to be someone with a grudge, trying to libel Ockenfels. However, it is very, very funny. I think Ockenfels should have laughed it off and shown he has a thick skin about the vandalism, rather than treat it as some high c…..
October 18th, 2006 at 6:00 pm
Which Survivor of the Impending Nukalypse Are You?…
I’m Arnold Schwarzenegger! Ha! I think I’ll be OK. Here’s what the test said: Maker of mediocre action pics and son of an actual Nazi, you’re perhaps an insane joke on God’s part. Why should you survive while others perish? Is it your hair, your …
October 18th, 2006 at 7:55 pm
Madonna Adoption Plan Proves Disturbing…
A few days ago, the international pop star Madonna initiated adoption of a 13-month-old Malawi boy named “David”. The adoption has aroused controversy because the Malawi government bent its usual rules on foreign adoptions and because some people thi…
October 18th, 2006 at 8:22 pm
For Sale…
The Katherine Harris follies continue-
DAYTONA BEACH — With her campaign low on cash, U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris said Tuesday that she is trying to sell her house in Washington, D.C., to raise money for her fight against Democratic Sen. Bill N ……
October 18th, 2006 at 9:20 pm
Wow - very cool. It’s amazing to see that area of the world - which has played a part in most of the great conquests and civilizational struggles - is once more on center stage. I wonder if Alexander the Great’s soldiers would have imagined the brave U.S. servicemen and women standing in the same spots, some 2,300 years later! Very interesting post, Beth!
October 18th, 2006 at 11:00 pm
More of Devon Aoki…
In my post last month of Devon Aoki - Muslim Repellent - Muslim Honey Pot I displayed a snake-wrapped Devon Aoki to tantalize my Muslim readers. A few of you have complained that I didn’t spend enough time blogging about this petite, Asian pastry. So….
October 19th, 2006 at 2:42 am
TT 13 Hand Gestures…
Yesterday I was walking in New York’s Chinatown when I saw an Italian fellow gesturing madly while he was talking on his cellphone. I wondered Why? No one on the other end could see the gestures. So here are 13 hand gestures I see all the time:…
October 19th, 2006 at 9:28 am
The Knucklehead of the Day award…
Today’s winner is Leon County Circuit Court Judge Janet Ferris….
October 19th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Chris Dodd Joins The Official Surrender Monkey Clan…
Not that I am surprised in the least, we have Senator Christopher Dodd (Defeatocrat-Conn) joining the Clan of the Surrender Monkey. I guess he is tired of letting so many other North East liberals, like Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Howard Dean, Charlie Ran…
November 13th, 2006 at 5:42 am
Beautiful picture, I am proud that my country was one a center of major civilizations see for yourself we are not less important than Italy. We have part of their history and they have part of ours.
Omar the Iraqi
November 13th, 2006 at 5:43 am
Beautiful picture, I am proud that my country was one a center of major civilizations see for yourself we are not less important than Italy. We have part of their history and they have part of ours.
Abu Omar the Iraqi