Syrian Cultural Property in the Crossfire:

The destruction of cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and museums, during Syria's civil war has been exacerbated by the lack of engagement from Near Eastern archaeologists and international heritage organizations. While both regime forces and armed rebels have been accused of damage, the power vacuum in rebel-controlled areas has led to increased looting and illicit trafficking. The study highlights that the 1954 Hague Convention and its protocols, though ratified by Syria, are insufficient due to a lack of knowledge and communication among stakeholders. It suggests that proactive measures, such as including cultural experts in military operations and leveraging existing connections between the US military and rebel groups like the Free Syrian Army (FSA), could mitigate further damage. The research emphasizes the need for practical solutions that balance compliance with international agreements while addressing the unique challenges of civil war contexts.

Al Quntar, S. (2013). Syrian Cultural Property in the Crossfire: Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage Studies, 1(4), 348–351. https://doi.org/10.5325/jeasmedarcherstu.1.4.0348