Iraq’s treasures back on view six years after looting

IRAQ yesterday 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 US troops stood by.

Around 6,000 items, from 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.

The displays were a shadow of what they were before looters smashed through the doors.