The International Association of Egyptologists is the professional organization which unites world-wide scholars and scientist who study the ancient cultures of Egypt. The IAE advocates for the preservation of the world’s archaeological heritage and condemns any intentional targeting of cultural heritage sites in unequivocal terms. The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual prohibits the intentional destruction of cultural heritage during armed conflict except in situations when targeting is imperative for a legitimate military goal. For this reason, the IAE supports calls upon President Trump and the U.S. Department of Defense to protect civilians and cultural heritage in Iran, and to reaffirm that U.S. military forces will comply only with lawful military orders. The IAE stands with other professional societies concerned about the preservation of cultural heritage in Iran.
For our American members:
Please consider contacting your Congressional delegation and let them know that you do not support the President’s plan to target cultural sites for military activity,
Los Angeles, January 7, 2020