But isn’t a sapper just a deminer or a military engineer? Regardless of whether don’t engage in patrol or other peacekeeping and combat operations, they are stil surely soldiers. I think this is the point. They might still be considered a military presence regardless of whether they have the ability to do any shooting or not. As a result, the Armenian military is involving itself with what some Iraqis (many?) consider an occupying force.

Clearly we have seen that those who are committing these kidnappings are not interested in who it is they are kidnapping, be it military men, doctors, piece keepers, or truck drivers. They only seem to be concerned with what these individuals represent.

The presence of Armenians form outside Iraq will represent Armenia’s support for the occupation of Iraq, and more dangerous than that, will represent Armenia’s support for the policies of the West.

No matter what benefits the Armenian government may think they will get by this action, this will only created a very (more) dangerous situation for the Armenian community in Iraq.