War

* Be cautious about allowing soldiers and marines to fraternize with local children. Homesick troops want to drop their guard with kids. But insurgents are watching. They notice any friendships between troops and children. They may either harm the children as punishment or use them as agents.

I read this in an article by Robert Fisk. This is one recommendation from a military document.

It saddens me that poor children cannot be completely friendly with outsiders without risking getting hurt, or hurting others.