Looted Iraq Museum Partially Reopens

PM backs controversial move; much of building still shut

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 24, 2009 12:50 PM CST

(Newser) – Iraq’s National Museum reopened yesterday for the first time since its 2003 looting made it a symbol of post-invasion bedlam, the New York Times reports. But with only eight of 26 rooms functional, its reopening symbolizes as much the long road ahead as it does Iraqi reconstruction thus far, Steven Lee Myers writes. Years after thousands of items were stolen, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki pushed for the controversial reopening.

“It was a rugged wave and strong black wind that passed over Iraq, and one of the results was the destruction that hit this cultural icon,” Maliki said at a ceremony marking the moment. “We have stopped this black wind.” But not all were happy about the move. “It is a risk to open the museum at this time,” said a Culture Ministry official; colleagues boycotted the event.

Iraqis visit the restored Iraqi National Museum on the day it was formally dedicated. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

An Iraqi soldier stands guard in the restored Iraqi National Museum yesterday, nearly six years after looters carried away priceless antiquities and treasures. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki, center, is seen during the reopening of the restored National Museum in Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Iraqis visit the restored Iraqi National Museum. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Amira Eidan, center, Director of the National Museum, Baghdad shows Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki recovered antiquities. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

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Looted Iraq Museum Partially Reopens

PM backs controversial move; much of building still shut

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63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

West Worried About Heavy-Handed Iraq PM

Maliki crackdown may herald return to authoritarian rule

Obama: 'Our War in Iraq Ends This Month'

President promises US will still have 'strong presence'

Pentagon Denies Jan. 1 Iraq Pullout

Discussions with Baghdad 'are ongoing': spokesman

Iraq Wants US to Sell It 36 F-16s

Expanded deal is under discussion

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