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An American hero in Mauritania

Chris Leggett was a "modern-day hero who daily gave his life for the people of Mauritania."

Many tributes were spoken at the funeral of the Tennessee man murdered in the northwest African nation June 23, AP reports.

An al-Qaida branch claimed responsibility for the killing, saying Leggett was targeted for trying to convert Muslims to Christianity.

The attack, carried out in a crowded area of Mauritania's capital city, reportedly has shaken other Christians and prompted some westerners to leave the country.

Al-Qaida has announced a campaign to turn Mauritania into an Islamic republic, through violent means, of course.

Mauritanians in general have condemned Leggett's murder. Politicians leaders decried the killing as "foreign to the values and traditions of hospitality of our peace-loving people."

Mauritania seems like it would be a fascinating place to visit, especially with recent signs that it's sorting out its political problems.

Obviously, it must overcome this al-Qaida threat.

Chris Leggett was working to provide educational opportunities for poor Mauritanians. His murder was an outrage, and the government there must bring his killers to justice.

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Posted by Doug Clark on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 8:36 am

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Dogwood

July 2, 2009 - 5:12 pm EDT

Mauritania, south of Morocco, has wonderful people. Unfortunately, a man died teaching school. When the terrorist get done killing innocent humans there will only be left followers that can only make IEDs.