Biblical destruction

An email from Human Events - Headquarters of the Conservative Underground (*chuckle*) - expresses outrage over the destruction of Bibles in Afghanistan:

A Pentagon spokesman under the Obama Administration has just acknowledged seizing and burning the privately owned Bibles of American soldiers serving in Afghanistan. The Bibles had been printed in the local Pashto and Dari languages, and sent by private donors last year to American Christian soldiers and chaplains, for distribution to American troops on overseas military bases during optionally-attended Christian worship services. Had the Bibles not been recently seized and destroyed, they could have legally been given as gifts during off-duty time to Afghani citizens who welcome our troops in their homes, as an expression of American gratitude for Afghani hospitality, promoting the democratic ideals of freedom of religion and freedom of the press.

It is against regulations for troops to proselytize. Imagine what image it creates if soldiers go around distributing Bibles (conveniently translated into local languages). And I must admit I have a hard time seeing troops and locals fraternizing, Bibles being passed out, and the Muslim hosts being ever so grateful. Rather, it would create resentment and be seen as another act in a fourth crusade.