Posted by
ArtCopBob on Monday, September 25, 2006 2:25:55 AM
What makes cultural properties an attractive target?
Cultural properties embody a combination of attributes that are antithetical to the Islamic jihadi movement. Museums are often respositories of western and Christian art. Those that feature artwork from other cultures or religions, such as Buddhist artwork, are viewed as sanctuaries for false idols and these are not tolerated in the strict radical interpretation of Islam. The world witnessed this desire to destroy other important and historical culture in March 2001 when the Taliban destroyed the 2000 year old Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan.
Museums are symbols of a culture that is reprehensible to the islamic radical element. Museums also bring together large crowds of visitors who make an attractive target. Museums are often situated in premier and "landmark" locations and an attack would be highly visible. And many museums are viewed as "soft targets" due to a lack of funding to provide a visible security presence.
So an attack on a cultural site or museum means a strike against western culture, one that maximizes casualties, one that has a fairly high probability of success, and it delivers a blow with significant symbolic value.
For all these reasons we must continue to "harden the target" through the effective implementation of security systems, trained personnel, and effective policies.