During the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. Army-which, among other things, built a helipad on the ruins of ancient Babylon-seemed unaware that the country is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the world. In response, Dr. Laurie Rush, a cultural resources manager at Fort Drum, New York, along with Dr. Jim Ziedler, an archaeologist with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands at Colorado State University, created playing cards that inform soldiers what they can do to keep the archaeological record intact. The five of clubs, for example, which depicts an Army bulldozer, instructs soldiers to “Drive around-not over-archaeological sites.””Some people say, ‘Great, it’s four years too late,’” says Ziedler. “But what we’re trying to do is to create a program that will be incorporated into Army training doctrine.” Fifty thousand decks have been sent out, some to Iraq, but most to U.S. training sites, in the hopes that new troops will leave at least the ancient parts of Iraq in the same state in which they were found.
Tags
advertisement
More for You
-
14 images of badass women who destroyed stereotypes and inspired future generations
These trailblazers redefined what a woman could be.
Throughout history, women have stood up and fought to break down barriers imposed on them from stereotypes and societal expectations. The trailblazers in these photos made history and redefined what a woman could be. In doing so, they paved the way for future generations to stand up and continue to fight for equality.
-
Why mass shootings spawn conspiracy theories
Mass shootings and conspiracy theories have a long history.
While conspiracy theories are not limited to any topic, there is one type of event that seems particularly likely to spark them: mass shootings, typically defined as attacks in which a shooter kills at least four other people.
When one person kills many others in a single incident, particularly when it seems random, people naturally seek out answers for why the tragedy happened. After all, if a mass shooting is random, anyone can be a target.
Pointing to some nefarious plan by a powerful group – such as the government – can be more comforting than the idea that the attack was the result of a disturbed or mentally ill individual who obtained a firearm legally.
advertisement

