The Looting of Iraqi Cultural Property during the 2003 Invasion and Subsequent Occupation by the United States and Coalition Forces

Despite exhaustive efforts by scholars, archaeologists, and national and international organisations the United States chose not to protect the National Museum of Iraq, but to send its troops to guard the Oil Ministry and oil fields instead. As a result, the National Museum was looted. No attempts were made to stop the looting; orders were specifically given not to do so. Looting at archaeological sites increased significantly during the invasion and in the lawlessness and chaos which characterised the occupation of Iraq. The United States forces as occupiers had an obligation to prevent the plunder and looting, but they failed to do so. Further, they participated in the destruction of some sites through military occupation and irresponsible construction. As a result, many sites were partially or completely destroyed, and parts of others have been rendered useless for further archaeological research. It necessarily follows that knowledge has been lost and humankind is the poorer for it.