Iraq’s cultural losses

(I know you went to Iraq prior to the war and you’ve been back since, trace for us the changes you saw.) I first went in 2002 when the prospects of war seemed ghastly and I went to remind people that Iraq was a very important cultural place. (What happened after the war started?) It was a shock, and many objects were stolen or destroyed in the Iraqi Museum. (How did the antiquities at this museum fare under Saddam Hussein and then what happened once the war began?) Saddam was tough on protecting historical facts from being looted. And sites were generally protected. So it was a mixed blessing because he used some sites for political reasons. (The British Museum is opening a new exhibit which will trace ancient Iraq’s heritage and one thing that’s part of this exhibit is the damage done to cultural treasures caused by American and coalition troops. How much damage was done?) It’s difficult to determine because it’s impossible to visit all the historical sites and assess. What the British museum is doing is very brave. It’s a fascinating investigation but it also reminds people how precious the land is.