Art History Journal

A Plan To Protect Iraq's Antiquities During the War

A simple and direct policy to protect Iraq’s antiquities now must be for all entities that are fragmented to join forces. This plan must focus on only this one effort without allowing political, religious or individual gain. A policy for protection of the antiquities and punishment against looters must be prepared by art dealers, archeologists, all governments, citizens and religions. Layering blame at this point does not stop or recover losses. Past inadequacies can be corrected with a new forceful and powerful plan that provides ownership to all of these interested in preserving history and art. By placing these items into the ownership of the vested group, Iraq would enjoy this security throughout the country.

This action must be advertised as an opportunity to be shared by all those that are vested. A team will emerge that will be able to organize the facets that range from protection to recovery. An income for the effort would need to be built into the plan, which would also provide an historical education to all citizens of the world by using these antiquities in museum display and on tour.

Educational systems through the world would be able to use the documentation in history and art curriculum. Participation in cataloging, inventory and display should be part of the educational assignment for students. Managing the marketing and media events should be a joint effort of professionals and students together.

All of this effort will encourage the world to consider this area as a reverent place to be maintained. The local citizens would be assured that all visitors would come to be in awe of these treasures that are worth protecting. The secured existence of these treasures would guarantee a source of income for trustworthy local citizens.

This plan must be developed quickly since many other countries are experiencing looting of historical handiwork of the past. A successful document would be shared with the same energy to preserve important art and history.

George Breslau