Syrian Art and Antiquities Imports Banned in US

For some time, the United States has expressed concern for the trafficking of looted art and antiquities taking place in Syria. Despite this concern, the US has kept the market open for the import of Syrian antiquities and has not previously taken action to reduce the trafficking. Looting has occurred since the civil war in Syria began in 2011 and the proceeds from international trade of these illegal often support the Islamic State's extremeist rule. With the rise of the Islamic State, dozens of ancient sites have been exposed for destruction and looting.

The US Sentate unanimously passed a bill to ban the import of art and antiquities from Syria to the United States. The legislation remains to be signed by the White House, but it will be the first significant action of the US to "enhance our ability to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully acquire or sell precious historical artifacts". In addition to this legislation, the US is also considering using military action to stop the destruction of cultural sites in Iraq and Syria and to stop the Islamic State from advancing into new territories. The use of military action to halt trafficking remains a controversial discussion.

American law already prohibits the import of stolen or looted objects. It does not, however, ban the trade of ancient art or artifacts obtained before 1970. Additionally, the US has passed a similar law banning imports of culturally or historically significant objects from Iraq after the States invaded Iraq in 2003. While many people are committed to passing this law in the hopes of reducing the trafficking of cultural and historical objects, the US government remains to finalize the legislation.

Jessy Krempp


Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/14/world/middleeast/senate-votes-to-ban-imports-of-syrian-art-and-antiquities.html?ref=world