Iraq Loses Donny George

The word is not encouraging from Iraq, where Donny George has resigned as head of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage. George, for those who don't know, is the official who emerged in Baghdad, post-looting, to help secure and professionalize the state's long-neglected museum. He speaks excellent English and, through a series of trips to the United States, has developed relationships that could serve the cultural community in Iraq well. But George says that money problems and interference from the Shi’ite party has made his job untenable.

We asked some experts who have been following cultural issues in Iraq for comment. Some said they couldn't go on the record, as they might jeopardize their working relationships with George's successors.

Capt. Vance Kuhner, former U.S. Army commander who helped recover stolen artifacts in Iraq: He called the resignation a terrible loss. "He is a good man and a visionary in the preservation and conservation of Iraq's antiquities."

Patty Gerstenblith, DePaul University law professor and director of cultural law program: "This is certainly a sad turn of events for the future of archaeology in Iraq. Dr. George provided courageous leadership during a difficult time in Iraq and managed to encourage world interest in Iraq's long and rich history and support for its preservation ... It now seems that the potential for future exploration will be severely diminished."

Archeologist with experience in Iraq: "Disastrous news. There is no one now that is really qualified to be director/chairman of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage." ... "I tell you Iraq's heritage has gone down the drain and Americans are doing nothing. I am a bit angry because despite several protestations and warnings nothing is being done."