Why is no one talking about Libya's cultural destruction

Abstract

On February 2, 2015, writer Laura C. Mallonee asked, "Why is no one talking about Libya's cultural destruction?" (Mallonee 2015). It was a good question. It deserves an answer. I propose two. My simple answer is that no one is talking about Libya because the attention of the international community is focused upon cultural destruction in Syria and, with the emergence of Islamic State (IS), Iraq. Since 2012, the destruction of cultural sites in Syria has been more severe than in Libya, and so, more newsworthy. My longer answer is that the question highlights the failure of international public policy to develop a coherent and effective response to the illegal trade in antiquities and other cultural objects. Since 1990, this trade has probably been the most active cause of destruction to cultural sites throughout West Asia and North Africa. It has certainly been the most preventable cause. Regrettably, prevention has not been achieved.