Ooo boy - I had no intention of starting a "bash the UN" - or bash anyone! - session, folks. I just wanted to draw attention to the rather amazing "coincidence" between the alleged "Moloch-worship" of the Western world leaders, the current destruction ("liberation"??) of Iraq by those same powers, and that picture/article at the link indicating that the Iraqis understand themselves as the "sacrifice", and the Western powers as the modern "Moloch" who has them by the throat.

It is odd that the "looters" did seem to know exactly what to look for and where - taking the most precious and heavily guarded artifacts first. It's also odd that the Museum had been closed for 10 years, to protect it from the ravages of the first Gulf War. It was reopened in April 2000 - article here. Why was it not closed again in recent months - certainly there was ample warning that another attack was on the way!

Certainly anyone interested in ancient Mesopotamian god/desses and rituals knew that the Iraqi National Museum housed artifacts "to die for" - no pun intended :( . I found this information about what American and British scholars have called "the world's first batteries" most intriguing - The Riddle of Baghdad's Batteries.

Scientists were still trying to determine what these 3,000 year old - and functioning! - batteries were used for. One suggestion was for electroplating - applying a thin coat of metal over another surface - which would make the ancient Iraqis the first to produce that "mother of all inventions - MONEY". Well, if that's true, then what an example of "reaping what you sow!"

But even more interesting is the suggestion that they were used to "enliven" statues and other ritual objects during ancient magical rites - the same magical rites used in the worship of Ba'al, Moloch, Astarte etc. To get your hands on an anthentic ritual object used in the worship of your ancient idol - hmmm, presumably to add power and authenticity to your own rites - wouldn't that be just a dream-come-true for any serious "Moloch-worshipper"?!?

daylia