Relics seized from smugglers returning to Afghanistan

Afghan ambassador to the US Roya Rahmani at the Afghanistan embassy in Washington with looted and stolen Afghan religious relics and antiquities recovered by US government authorities (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Precious relics of Afghanistan’s ancient past are returning home as the nation confronts deepening uncertainty about its future.

A collection of 33 artefacts seized from a New York-based art dealer who authorities say was one of the world’s most prolific smugglers of antiquities was turned over by the US to the government of Afghanistan this week.