Wednesday 02 April 2003 War risk to Iraqi treasures  | Politicians, leading archaeologists and scholars around the world have expressed concern that the relentless bombing of Iraq could destroy priceless treasures. This report by Sunita Nahar. |
 Listen to the story Iraq is thought to be the cradle of civilisation. The first urban communities, the first evidence of writing and the first legal codes are said to have evolved in the country. Iraq is also an important land for Christians, Jews and Muslims. It's home to Babylon - the Biblical Garden of Eden and Ur, believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. From palaces to the desert mounds, remnants of this ancient culture litter the landscape. The United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO, The Arab League, archaeologists and politicians in Europe and the United States have all warned of the threat the US-led war in Iraq poses to these cultural sites. They've provided US officials with lists of sites and museums so they can be avoided during the military campaign. UNESCO says it's confident that the US will take steps to protect Iraq's rich heritage. Reports suggest American-led troops appear aware of the importance of these sites, apparently they can only fire at some of them in self defence - but this is hardly likely to be their first concern in the midst of battle.
Sunita Nahar, BBC Listen to the words the cradle of civilisation the place where the advanced stage of human social development began legal codes rules of law the birthplace the place where someone was born remnants a remnant of something is a small part of it that is left when the main part has disappeared or been destroyed litter the landscape are scattered all around the land poses if something poses a threat or danger, it is the cause of it take steps take action, make moves rich heritage interesting and valuable buildings and monuments hardly likely not very probable in the midst of battle in the middle of the fighting  Read more about this story | |  | | | SEARCH IN LEARNING ENGLISH | | | |
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