re: #135 justaminute

That is not unusual in the area. CL may know the answer to this, but it seems to be part of Muslim law to offer money to the family in place of prosecution. I also wondered at the almost relative calm after this on the part of the Afghan’s. I expected much more, especially coming on top of the Koran burning. Even my husband was surprised. It’s puzzling.

It’s also a custom elsewhere, called for in Army regs as a “solatium”. We issued them in Korea after US/Host Nation accidents. The rules there were very cultural-specific—new bills in a white envelope, offered by gloved right hand. It was also made clear that it conveyed sympathy, and no admission of guilt.