After reading the article described I find that the note of Dr. Meili in
regards to Weltwoche article is totally off-base. In fact, the article
describes the extensive precautions that were taken by Baghdad museum
officials in order to help avert the plundering that occurred in Gulf War
I-where eight of 13 museums were looted. There is no mention of
archeologists plundering Iraq's cultural heritage. There is, however,
mention of the growth of site robbery and trafficking in artifacts as a
result of the Iran-Iraq war, Gulf War I, and the sanctions. Most stolen
artifacts were directed to the USA, Japan and other developed countries.

The note is either ignorant or irresponsible. Possibly both.
Nicholas Burlakoff

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf
Of David Meili
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2003 8:37 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Archeologists plundred before the looting in Iraq

Dear Collegues,
With some knowledge of German or a translation tool..., you can have access
to an interesting article in the Swiss Newspaper "Weltwoche" about
archeologist - and even ICOM members - who plundred the cultural heritage in
Iraq under the dictatorship during the last 20 years. They left some pieces
to the National Museum, some went to the U.S., to France and to the
Herimtage, - and to private colletions. They are the experts of UNESCO now.
http://www.weltwoche.ch/ressort_bericht.asp?asset_id=4858&category_id=60
<http://www.weltwoche.ch/ressort_bericht.asp?asset_id=4858&category_id=60>
There are more reports about this subject in the German, French and Spanish
press today.
No comment about young American soldiers, coming back with some pieces of
paintings from a backyard in Bagdad and presented on CNN as responsible for
the end in the civilized world.
Regards
David
Dr. David Meili
+41 (0) 79 615 59 40 (mobile)
+41 (0) 1 813 84 28 (fax)
[log in to unmask]
http://mypage.bluewin.ch/davidmeili <http://mypage.bluewin.ch/davidmeili>
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