Shattered heritage

The 1991 and 2003 attacks on Iraq destroyed museums, libraries, theatres and heritage sites.

Media coverage of the American invasion of Iraq in 2003 focused on security, political, and economic impacts. But it neglected the destruction of Iraq’s heritage. This documentary focuses on the damage done to Iraqi art, music, theater, publishing houses, cultural institutions, as well as the looting of its antiquities.

The United States and its allies ignored the warnings of organizations and scholars concerning the protection of Iraq's cultural heritage, including museums, libraries, archaeological sites and other precious repositories. Arsonists badly burned the National Library and looters pillaged the National Museum. They also damaged or destroyed many historic buildings and artifacts. Coalition forces destroyed or badly damaged many historic urban areas and buildings, while thieves ruined thousands of unique, unprotected archeological sites.