The Arabs wouldn't be expected to know the significance of this hymn, but the American media and our other home-grown leftist dimwits should have foreseen what was coming ever since this was sung at the National Cathedral service a few days after 9/11.
I noted at that time that the usual bowdlerized line "Let us live to make men free" was changed back to its original "Let us die to make men free," and knew Mr. Bush was giving the whole world a message all the more powerful for its subtlety. I suspect the President was personally involved with the music selection.
I don't think there is another hymn that is more warlike and gets more under the skin of the peace crowd, unless it is "Onward Christian Soldiers." It was exactly what we needed at the time.
-ccm
Been whistling it all morning.