Behind the Islamic State’s propaganda videos of cultural devastation lies a vast bureaucratic system of antiquities trade.
When the Islamic State (IS) group took control over the ancient city of Palmyra, its iconic scenery became a backdrop for gruesome murder and brutality. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has also become one of the stops on the terrorist organization’s path of cultural destruction.
What is less publicized is the enormous profits the Islamic State is making from the illegal trade in antiques it boasts of annihilating in its propaganda videos. IS-controlled areas have offices for the director of antiquities and museums, which represents the Antiquities Authority of the Islamic State. It controls excavation and facilitates smuggling and selling, issuing permits that legitimize looting.
Channel 4 News investigates the industrial-scale operation trading in Syrian cultural history.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.
Photo Credit: Waj / Shutterstock.com
We bring you perspectives from around the world. Help us to inform and educate. Your donation is tax-deductible. Join over 400 people to become a donor or you could choose to be a sponsor.
Support Fair Observer
We rely on your support for our independence, diversity and quality.
For more than 10 years, Fair Observer has been free, fair and independent. No billionaire owns us, no advertisers control us. We are a reader-supported nonprofit. Unlike many other publications, we keep our content free for readers regardless of where they live or whether they can afford to pay. We have no paywalls and no ads.
In the post-truth era of fake news, echo chambers and filter bubbles, we publish a plurality of perspectives from around the world. Anyone can publish with us, but everyone goes through a rigorous editorial process. So, you get fact-checked, well-reasoned content instead of noise.
We publish 2,500+ voices from 90+ countries. We also conduct education and training programs
on subjects ranging from digital media and journalism to writing and critical thinking. This
doesn’t come cheap. Servers, editors, trainers and web developers cost
money.
Please consider supporting us on a regular basis as a recurring donor or a
sustaining member.
Will you support FO’s journalism?
We rely on your support for our independence, diversity and quality.
Uncertain Transition in Syria After the Surprise End of Assad
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive that led to the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, signaling a major...
The Islamic Republic of Iran Should Be Overthrown
On April 18, 1983, Iran's attack on the US embassy in Beirut marked the beginning of its organized support for...
Pakistan’s Terror Could Ruin Its Last Chance With China
Pakistan seeks a socio-economic revival, but rampant terrorism caused by groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan threaten its chances. The nation...
