Robbing the Cradle of Civilization

Another successful landmark has been reached in our occupation of Iraq: The World Monuments Fund has just placed the country on its list of the Earth’s 100 most endangered sites. (“Widespread looting, military occupation, artillery fire, vandalism, and other acts of violence are devastating Iraq, long considered the cradle of human civilization.”) This is the first time that the Fund has ever put a whole nation on its list and so represents a singular accomplishment for the Bush administration, which knew not — and cared less — what it wrought. … (Read all.) Below, more about the book:

The Looting of the Iraq Museum, Baghdad: The Lost Legacy of Ancient Mesopotamia

from June 19, 2005

Milbry Polk and Angela Schuster discuss the effects of the current war in Iraq on the Iraq Museum in Baghdad. The editors of “The Looting of the Iraq Museum,” along with Donny George, the director of the museum, explain that more than 15,000 objects were stolen or destroyed and that a large amount of history has been lost. During the event Mr. George shows slides containing pictures of pieces that have been returned since the attack on the museum. This event was hosted by the National Arts Club in New York City.