There is so much about the Iraq War that makes my heart hurt, but one of the more painful images for me was of the deputy director of the Iraqi National Museum sitting on the floor of his building among the broken and looted remains of myriad priceless artifacts with his head in his hands. So it seems nothing short of a miracle to hear that the museum reopened a few weeks ago with many of its major pieces recovered (some by US troops no less) and restored. However, Maev Kennedy says that there is a sad note that must be considered along with the happiness:
Still, what a wonderful thing to have some treasures and relics from thousands of years of culture back where they can be enjoyed by visitors. And may the individuals who pilfered the smaller items and then did not return them be tormented by vengeful ghosts.