Three years after the looting of the Baghdad Museum, thousands of archaeological artefacts remain missing, and all excavation and research in Iraq has come to a standstill. The US military, which promised to investigate and trace the stolen artefacts, has been unable to account for the majority of them. In May 2003, the United Nations Security Council passed resolution 1483, emphasizing the need for respect and protection of Iraq’s heritage, but smuggling of artefacts may still be ongoing.
Dr. Lamia Al-Gailani-Werr, an Iraqi archaeologist, explains that the current state of Iraq’s antiquities is dismal. The museum is sealed off due to security concerns, and archaeological sites in the south are still being systematically looted. She believes that recovering the looted antiquities will take years, if not impossible. It is estimated that around 15,000 pieces were looted after 2003.
International smuggling rings may have been involved, with rumours of Lebanese antique dealers playing a role. Some artefacts have appeared in Europe and the US, while others have found their way to the Arab Gulf states. Interpol, the Italian antiquities police, and customs authorities in Europe and the US are currently helping in the search for the missing artefacts. However, the efforts to recover, restore, and protect Iraq’s historical wealth face many challenges, leaving a bitter legacy for future generations.
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