Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 12/2008

Iraq’s Cultural Heritage: Preserving the Past for the Sake of the Future

Elizabeth Detwiler

October 2008

United States Institute of Peace

Abstract

This USIPeace Briefing discusses the continued looting of Iraqi antiquities and measures that have been taken to recover and protect Iraq’s cultural heritage. In addition, it highlights the value of international law and policing to prevent such crimes.