Photo: Telegram channel/ Alexey Zheleznov
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hagel has found himself in the centre of public attention after he accidentally revealed a tattoo with controversial inscriptions. On the official’s body, you can see the Arabic inscription “unbeliever”, and next to it – the Latin Deus Vult (“God wants it”) – a slogan used by the Crusaders during the religious wars with Muslims.
The incident was reported by Israeli journalist Alexei Zheleznov on his Telegram channel, noting that such a set of symbols could be perceived as a provocation and a reminder of historical religious hatred.
This has caused concern among the Muslim community, as tattoos can be seen as a sign of religious intolerance or even a hidden message of ideological hostility. Given Ghegseth’s position, the symbolism takes on particular significance.
The Pentagon has not commented on the situation. The minister himself has also refrained from making public statements. However, the incident has already sparked a wave of debate in the media and on social media about the appropriateness of symbols on the bodies of high-ranking officials, especially in the defence sector, which deals with sensitive international relations.
Analysts point out that amid tense US relations with a number of Muslim countries, such details could have unpredictable consequences in the field of diplomacy.
