When H.R. 1493 was first proposed, there was hope that the Assad regime would be replaced with a government more representative of the wishes of the Syrian people. Now, however, as H.R. 1493 has advanced in the legislative arena, so have the prospects of the Assad regime, courtesy of strong military support from its ally, Putin's Russia.
Of course, Russia was also the sponsor of the UN Security Council resolution that is the major justification for HR 1493's proposed Syrian import restrictions and Turkey has already come under criticism from the archaeological lobby for its failure to repatriate artifacts to Assad.
So, how long before U.S. Customs and our State Department send undocumented "Syrian" artifacts back to the Assad regime, despite its involvement in looting in places like Apamea and bombing of places like the old City of Aleppo?
"So, how long before U.S. Customs and our State Department send undocumented "Syrian" artifacts back to the Assad regime, despite its involvement in looting in places like Apamea and bombing of places like the old City of Aleppo?"
ReplyDeleteQuite soon, one suspects.
Regards
John Howland
UK