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America's destruction of Babylon

Posted by Tiglath (Guest) - Monday, January 17 2005, 3:24:24 (CET) from 161.114.228.150 - gemini-01.compaq.com.au Australia - Windows XP - Internet Explorer Website: Website title:

America's destruction of Babylon Monday January 17, 2005 The Guardian The extensive cultural vandalism of archaeological sites in Iraq by US-led forces (Report, January 15) is deeply depressing, but it comes as no surprise. Archaeological organisations on both sides of the Atlantic were warning British and American governments about these issues for months in advance of the conflict, and we have repeated our concerns many times since. If we are to have any claim to international leadership we must press ahead rapidly with the ratification of the 1954 Hague convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict, and we should use our influence to encourage the Americans to do the same. Iraq is already a signatory to the convention. We must also do more to help the Iraqi authorities to prevent looting of their archaeological sites, and also root out those illegally trading in antiquities that have been stolen from Iraq. Dr Mike Heyworth Director, Council for British Archaeology We should be angry but not surprised at the destruction of Babylon. Despite the requirements of the Hague convention, aggressors throughout history have targeted the cultural treasures of occupied territories in order to undermine their opponents' national esteem and sense of cultural identity. Nebuchadnezzar created a world wonder, which, 2,600 years later, is the heritage icon for the Iraqi state - past and future. It is also part of a precious global heritage, which belongs to us all. We should feel outrage and contempt for the perpetrators whose actions have diminished our common inheritance. At the very least there should now be a proper inventory of the damage to Iraq's heritage, conducted by an international coalition of concerned nations. Prof Geoffrey Wainwright Chairman, Wessex Archaeology The news of the Titan landing this week arrived at the same time as details of US and coalition vandalism of archaeological remains in Babylon - which speaks volumes about the sensibilities of the west and its decision-makers. The more that anything becomes possible, the less it all seems to matter. Mark Evans Oswestry, Shropshire --------------------- - BACK TO INDEX - REPLY - QUOTE - EDIT - DELETE -

The full topic: America's destruction of Babylon Tiglath - Monday, January 17 2005, 3:24:24 (CET) Re: America's destruction of Babylon pancho - 01/17 04:09

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