I'd bet money that christian superstitions about Babylon and this stupid "end times" delusion play a role in this:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1391042,00.html
Babylon wrecked by war
US-led forces leave a trail of destruction and contamination in architectural site of world importance
Rory McCarthy in Baghdad, and Maev Kennedy
Saturday January 15, 2005
The GuardianTroops from the US-led force in Iraq have caused widespread damage and severe contamination to the remains of the ancient city of Babylon, according to a damning report released today by the British Museum.