[TheSpottedOwl]

In the middle east, to offer someone your food shows comraderie more than anything else. Sharing a meal creates an almost sacred bond between the two. To refuse offered food in a mideast culture is to refuse the offer of friendship, and an insult.

There is something else to that also. In some Arabic cultures you are prohibited from harming a person with whom you've either hosted in your home or shared a meal with. Not sure which instance applies. Middle Easterners are known to be very hospitable if they like you.

I know the troops have to be extremely cautious, otoh, the civilians have to be careful what they do too. Especially within sight of POW's.

[don-o]

There is something else to that also. In some Arabic cultures you are prohibited from harming a person with whom you've either hosted in your home or shared a meal with.

Excellent and factual observation. Thanks for making it.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

In some Arabic cultures you are prohibited from harming a person with whom you've either hosted in your home or shared a meal with.

I wouldn't bet my life on THAT.