Body Language

The US military has funded a computer game to teach its troops how to use and decipher Iraqi body language.

The purpose is to teach soldiers that using the wrong gestures can potentially cause offence and escalate already tense situations.

Link.

This isn't a bad idea. The article says body language is important in the Middle East, but it doesn't elaborate. I think these are a few of the more common phrases:

Manually turning up nose and thrust arm against chest like you're stabbing yourself. It means, "Die you gravy-sucking pig infidel"

Lifting one leg, like a dog does at a tree. It means, "I urinate on your religion."

Setting fire to a nearby bush. It means, "I want to kill your president."

Vertical dance-like gyrations, similar to those seen on U.S. dance floors: "I am a suicide bomber. Bring on those virgins."

A squatting motion: "I defecate in your general direction, you Christian swine."

Scissors in one hand, held near crotch area; other hand in form a fist: "I'm ready to bomb some Jews."