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> ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).