">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Iraq gives glimpse of looted National Museum
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Iraq gives glimpse of looted National Museum
Reuters - Tuesday, February 24
By Aseel Kami
ADVERTISEMENT
BAGHDAD - Iraq on Monday partially reopened its National Museum, once a trove of artefacts dating back to the dawn of civilisation but which was plundered after the 2003 invasion while U.S. troops stood by.
Around 6,000 items out of around 15,000 stolen when order collapsed following the fall of Saddam Hussein were back on display. But only eight of the museum's more than 20 wings were reopened due to a dispute between government departments.
Tourism and antiquities officials wanted the museum to open to great fanfare as a symbol that Iraq is emerging from years of sectarian slaughter and is now capable not just of securing its people but also priceless cultural treasures and tourists.
The Culture Ministry objected, saying the museum was not ready and that the security situation remained too precarious.
As a compromise, only part of the museum showcasing 11,000 years of human history was opened, and only to arranged groups, like students, not the general public.
"We are going to inaugurate the Iraqi museum now, but don't expect it to be what it was before when 26 wings told the story of Iraq through the ages," museum director Amira Eidan told dignitaries and journalists.
"We have focussed in particular on exhibiting the antiquities looted in 2003 but which have been recovered," she said to a backdrop of photos from 2003 showing toppled statues, smashed doors and shattered pottery from ancient Mesopotamia.
The displays were a shadow of what they were before looters smashed through the doors while U.S. troops stood guard at the Oil Ministry but did little to stop the plunder elsewhere.
Iraq lies in the 'Cradle of Civilisation' between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The marshlands in the south are believed to be the location of the biblical Garden of Eden.
The theft and destruction of artefacts from the museum was viewed by archaeologists as a tragedy not just for Iraq but for the whole world.
"Stuff happens," then-U.S. Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said at the time, dismissing criticism.
Maliki thanked countries such as Syria and Iran that helped Iraq reclaim some of the looted artefacts. Some have been discovered as far away as Latin America.
Around 6,000 of the 15,000 items stolen from the museum have been returned and 10,000 items taken from other archaeological sites, such as Babylon, recovered, Iraqi officials said.
"It was a fierce wave and wild black winds that swept through Iraq," Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said. "But we have managed to stop those black winds and to resume rebuilding and reconstruction."
The museum is a central plank in a strategy to bolster tourism. Washington provided $13 million to help restore it.
The reopening, partial as it was, almost did not happen because of feuding between Iraq's minister of state for tourism and antiquities, Qahtan al-Jibouri, and the Culture Ministry. In the end, it looked like Jibouri won.
"Some factions tried to politicize the inauguration of the museum, while others underestimated Iraqi abilities in archaeology. Still others tried to delay the opening on the pretext of security and potential hazards," he said.
"We would like the whole world to come and see Baghdad just as it was before and to see that it has not been turned into the ruins that the enemy desired.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: World
Egypt arrests suspects over deadly bazaar bombingAFP - 1 hour 18 minutes ago
Rebels kill 9 security guards in AlgeriaReuters - 1 hour 20 minutes ago
French state loans 'will back banking merger'AFP - 1 hour 28 minutes ago
Guantanamo detainee back in BritainAFP - 1 hour 31 minutes ago
Wis. Msgr. Dolan welcomed as next NY archbishopAP - 1 hour 17 minutes ago
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Terminally ill British TV star marries as cameras roll
Terminally ill British TV star marries as cameras roll
Obama aims to cut deficit in half
34,000 apply for 'the best job in the world'
US could take 25-40 percent stake in Citi: WSJ
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Monday, 23 February 2009 Singapore News
Singapore News
Two foreigners among four dead in Cairo bomb attack
| International
|
Iraq accuses Sunni lawmaker of bomb attacks
| International
|
Insurgents kill 11 peacekeepers in Somalia
| International
|
Cops Bust Truck Driver With 1,400 Pounds Of Pot Mixed With Frozen Food
Madea Goes to Jail locks up No. 1 at box office
| Entertainment
|
Cops Bust Truck Driver With 1,400 Pounds Of Pot Mixed With Frozen Food
Blast in China coal mine kills 74
| International
|
Tourist killed, 25 people wounded in Cairo bombing
French tourist killed and 20 wounded in Egypt attack
Penelope Cruz Wins First Oscar Of The Night For Best Supporting Actress
French tourist killed, 20 wounded in Egypt attack
| International
|
Jamaica Bans Sexually Explicit And Violent Music From Country's Airwaves
US could take 25-40 percent stake in Citi: WSJ
Netanyahu, Livni meeting ends without agreement
Netanyahu, Livni hold first post-election talks
| International
|
US probe 'ignores Swiss sovereignty': UBS
Iraqi lawmaker faces charges as attack mastermind
Heavy security as Tibetans prepare for new year
| International
|
Netanyahu says can work with Obama for peace
British Guantanamo detainee released to UK: report
| International
|
Tourist killed, 22 people wounded in Cairo bombing
One tourist killed, 14 wounded by Cairo bomb
Almost 80 pct of Japan voters want PM out soon: poll
| International
|
Australia PM faces elections in home state
| International
|
Terminally ill British TV star marries as cameras roll
Tourists among 12 wounded in Cairo bombing
European economies agree need for greater regulation
US, Iraqi forces launch anti-al-Qaida offensive
Correa: US diplomat directed CIA in Ecuador
Sen. Lugar says US must rethink Cuba embargo
Elephant fans tune in to Belgian on-line birthing
Websites of Iran's Khatami supporters blocked
Slumdog Millionaire wins big at Oscars
| Entertainment
|
Sean Penn wins best actor Oscar for Milk
| Entertainment
|
Ledger wins posthumous Oscar for supporting actor
| Entertainment
|
Kate Winslet wins best actress Oscar for The Reader
| Entertainment
|
North Korea reportedly deploys new missile
Benjamin Button, Mickey Rourke snubbed by Oscar
| Entertainment
|
Australia likely to cut immigration: minister
Penelope Cruz wins first Oscar for Spanish actress
| Entertainment
|
Sri Lanka rejects Tamil Tiger ceasefire deal
Mother of Slumdog child celebrates Oscar haul
| Entertainment
|
Managers sacked after deadly China mine blast: report
Thailand's economy shrinks 4.3 percent in 4Q
NKorea deploys more missiles, bolsters troops: SKorea
Almost 80 pct of Japan voters want PM out soon
'Slumdog' sweeps Oscars with eight awards
Abductors free Filipino businessman, daughter
WTO chief says banks must clean up balance sheets
Heath Ledger wins best supporting actor Oscar
Heavy security as Tibetans prepare for new year
S.Korea won up 1.4 pct, first gain in 10 sessions
Stars, fans converge on Hollywood for Oscar night
Crown prince turns 49, vows to ease father's load
Seoul shares up 3 pct, banks rebound on Citi news
Honda names new president amid slowdown
Honda Motor names Takanobu Ito as new CEO, president
Honda names new president
Report: Toyota to produce fewer vehicles
'Slumdog' sweeps Oscars with eight awards
Honda says Takeo Fukui stepping down as president
Penelope Cruz wins first Oscar for Spanish actress
S.Korea pension fund open to buying more T-bonds
South Korea may inject public funds into more banks
Heath Ledger wins best supporting actor Oscar
Mother of "Slumdog" child celebrates Oscar haul
"Slumdog Millionaire" wins big at Oscars
'Slumdog' rules Oscars with 8 prizes, best picture
The Oscars as seen from the Kodak Theatre audience
Heath Ledger wins Oscar for Joker in `Dark Knight'
Oscars host Hugh Jackman gave the job his all
How top Oscar winners fared at the box office
Israel's Netanyahu fails to lure rivals to cabinet
Israel replaces envoy to Egypt talks, Hamas irate
| International
|
Iraq gives glimpse of looted National Museum
David Caruso's Suspected Stalker Apprehended In Mexico
Freed Guantanamo detainee accuses U.S. of torture
| International
|
Iraq's treasure trove national museum reopens
Mickey Rourke Wins Male Lead Trophy At The Independent Spirit Awards
Somalia's Shabaab vows more attacks on African troops
| International
|
34,000 apply for 'the best job in the world'
Actors' Guild Rejects The Producers' Final Offer
Israeli leader fires lead negotiator on Gaza truce
"Slumdog Millionaire" Sweeps Eight Awards At The Oscars Including Best Film
NATO confident of Afghan election reinforcements
| International
|
Iraq reopens museum with returned treasures
Terminally Ill Jade Goody Marries "CBB" Housemate Jack Tweed
Pakistan army halts operations in Swat
| International
|
Rebels kill 9 security guards in Algeria: witnesses
| International
|
Sri Lanka Tiger rebels say would accept ceasefire
| International
|
North Korea deploys new mid-range missile: South
| International
|
Guantanamo detainee back in Britain
Vodafone to cut hundreds of jobs
| Technology
|
Race In Chicago For Emanuel's House Seat Heats Up With Endorsement
Bomb explodes outside Basque Socialist Party HQ: police
Congressional Committee Having Hearings To Formulate Energy, Climate Legislation
Heavy Maine Snow Storm Downs Power Lines Leaving 96,000 Without Electricity
New Orleans Mardi Gras To Push Through Despite Hard Times
Ted Kennedy On Reports About Health: 'I Don't Really Plan To Go Away Soon'
New Media Opinion Polls Find Most Americans Fearful Over State Of Country, Feel Media Coverage Of Obama Fair
Auto Industry Task Force Recommends Urgent Overhaul
Growing Number Of American Children Serve As Caregiver To Sick Parents
Auto Parts Manufacturer Tenneco Makes 82 Job Cuts At GA Plant Permanent
Obama Hosts Nation's Governors In First Formal White House Dinner
Pakistan army halts operations in Swat
'Slumdog' celebrations fill Mumbai's crowded slums
Indonesia opens tsunami museum
Taiwan's detained ex-leader ends hunger strike
Ledger wins posthumous Oscar for supporting actor
Sri Lankan gov't rejects rebels' call for truce
Sri Lanka rejects Tamil Tigers' call for truce
7 killed in Indonesian train crash
Honda names new president amid slowdown
'New Tiger' Lee tears up golf rankings
Pakistan targets 120 bln rupees in T-bill auction
Scores of Australians flee new wildfire flare-ups
Kate Winslet wins best actress for `The Reader'
Indonesia president says Aceh deal must hold
Taiwan signals weaker currency amid export slump
UK prime minister hails British Oscar success
WTO chief says banks must clean up balance sheets
Springsteen the boss of Britain's Glastonbury Festival
Pakistani stocks down 3 pct on profit booking
AP's Bob Thomas takes in the Oscars for 64th time
Taiwan dollar rebounds from near 6-year low
'Slumdog' composer Rahman wins 2 Oscars
S & P downgrades Nissan Motor credit rating
WTO chief warns against protectionism
Yves Saint Laurent's love affair with art
'Slumdog' celebrations fill Mumbai's crowded slums
Cheap rice for Bangladesh garment workers
Winners at the 81st annual Oscars
Indonesian pilot could get 4 years for plane crash
Indonesian film tackles women's role in Islam
New Orleans Mardi Gras To Push Through Despite Hard Times
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights