Turrets against Minarets

According to the U.S. military's top spokesman, Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt:

"The minaret is no longer standing but the entire remainder of the mosque area remains intact," Kimmitt said, showing aerial photographs of the mosque before and after the attack. After Fallujah is pacified, he said, "you will see the coalition forces participating in the process of rebuilding that minaret."

I'd like to know how old that minaret was: are we not blowing up the very cradle of human civilization?

Why am I doubtful the average Muslim in Iraq wants US soldiers rebuilding their sacred temples?
While I trust the Iraqis have not grown suspicious of us, would it be hard to build some surveillance equipment into the walls of the minaret, if they let us "help"?

I think the US is ready to do this on its own soil, to its own people.

Beware gifts from occupying forces.

  ¶ 2:08 PM