A Christmas Story about Christians Fighting Christians: IVth Crusade

[autorank]

The Republic of Venice ruled the trade routes between Europe and the Middle East and profited greatly from this for centuries. They got along well with the Muslims for the most part. The Crusades were a particular problem for them since they were "Christian" but also friends of the East. For Crusades I-III, Venice was expected to transport the slogging Knights etc. to Jerusalem and help with their supplies. They would contact their Muslim friends, announce the date of arrival, and then provide the transport (over charging for everything along the way). Finally, the Pope and the rest of medieval Europe caught on and demanded a real IVth Crusade. The 82 year old Venetian Doge, Enrico Dandolo, offered to lead it. Having no intention to ruin trade relations with the culturally and militarily superior Muslims, the Venetian navy made a hard left in the middle of the Mediterranean and headed for Christian Constantinople. They arrived, demanded; that the capitol of the Byzantine Empire surrender. The morons from the rest of Europe went along with out much questioning (i.e., Why are we not attacking Muslims, our sworn enemy?). Constantinople was sacked, the Venetians profited immeasurably, and, at the same time, preserved their trade relationships with the Muslims.

Is there a moral to this story? First, Christians will happily attack other Christians when there is immense gain to be made. Second, our current adventure in Iraq is nothing more than a Fourth Crusade with one major exception. The Most Serene Republic of Venice knew how to carry these things off, they had contracts with their leaders barring conflict of interest or theft (which were very serious documents), and they knew how to plan an occupation. On our Fourth Crusade, we're led by bunglers, we're unable to seal the deal (with too small a force) due to poor planning, and we will end up with nothing but debt.

Who will arise and be our Doge Dandolo?

MERRY CHRISTMAS