Sunday, June 24, 2007

I was sent a copy of A Short Guide to Iraq published by the War and Navy departments of the US in 1943. Many of the contents are less insensitive than current US discourse on Iraq. But some parts are quite amusing: "Moslems do not let other people see them naked. Do not urinate in their presence. They do it squatting and dislike to see other people do it standing up....To repeat--don't make a pass at any Moslem women or there will be trouble. Anyway, it won't get you anywhere. Prostitutes do not walk the streets but live in special quarters of the city." (pp. 16-17) (thanks David)