CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY (Sam Faddis) - Dying of thirst in the Middle East?
Originally published by AND Magazine
History never fades away in the Middle East. What is ancient history to most Americans is alive and well in the minds of the people of this region. We would do well to remember that. In 1187, knights of the Crusader kingdoms in what is now Israel and Lebanon marched out into the desert to confront Islamic forces under the command of the Muslim General Saladin. What ensued sealed the fate of the Christians in the Middle East. As the Crusaders advanced, Saladin retreated and drew them into the desert. As he withdrew, however, Saladin posted cavalry at all springs along the route, denying the Christian forces access to water. His troops also set the brush on fire, choking the Crusaders in smoke. It was July. The heat was intense. The…Open