Hassner, your research in this regard will be useful to those who may end up in conflict with the US at some stage.

Take a look at Gaza and see how the use of mosques and schools etc are used as 'shields' for insurgent activities because of the protection so afforded and the propaganda potential should this sites be struck.

Democracies (western countries) apply such self imposed limitations which are akin to tying one hand behind their backs while the opposition (whoever that is) apllies no such restrictions and takes advantage of US self imposed restrictions.

In the end the opposition always win.


Quote Originally Posted by Hassner View Post
Hello Small Wars Council! I'm new to the forum: I joined to ask for help with my research. I am a political scientist writing my third book on war: this one is about religion as a constraint on modern warfare.

My question is about NSLs and SPINS during the 1st and 2nd Gulf War. I have a general understanding of how US troops avoid striking mosques. I've read various joint publications. What I'd like to see is an example with some specifics. Who draws up a list of religious sites? How do they know where they are located? Who identifies them? Who makes the final decision?

Is it at all possible to get hold of a copy (no matter how outdated) of SPINS or NSLs? Thanks for your advice!