A "Cultural Property Observer" reader sent me this article about Egypt's new antiquities law. See http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2010/984/eg3.htm
The new law and the how it was promulgated are yet another testament to the power of the Hawass personality cult and its part in the effective nationalization of ancient Egypt's culture by the Mubarak regime.
Penalties for antiquities trafficking are increased; the last vestiges of partage are extinguished; the definition of antiquities is extended to anything and everything 100 years old or more; only authorized individuals [in the elite?] may possess antiquities; and the past is now copyrighted by the Egyptian government.
As for reports that a powerful MP wanted a Parliamentary debate about establishing a licit trade in antiquities? It was all a misunderstanding.....
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