Iraq reopens Baghdad museum in response to Islamic State vandalism
THE ART NEWSPAPER
By Martin Bailey
IRAQ---In response to the destruction of antiquities in Mosul last week by Islamic State militants, the Iraqi government reopened the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad this weekend, with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi speaking out against the terrorist group at the ribbon cutting on 28 February. Preparations to reopen the museum—which has been closed to the general public since shortly before the 2003 US-led invasion—had been underway for many years, and the final stages of work were recently completed. Nevertheless, it is significant that the Iraqi government chose to hold a high-level ceremony for the opening. It sent a clear message to the Islamic State militants that it abhors the destruction in Mosul and is now confident of the security situation at the Baghdad Museum. [link]
By Martin Bailey
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| The museum encompasses about 7,000 years of history - Reuters |
