As reported in the Observer (www.oberver.co.uk, May 18, 2003), after divesting Iraqi museums of their antiquities, the coalition troops are currently engaged in the petty theft of bricks of the many ancient structures located in the city of Ur. These millennia old, kiln-baked bricks, along with other artefacts looted from museums will undoubtedly be the star attraction of private auction houses in Europe and Northern America. Not content with the unabashed desecration of the city, US troop have also vandalised the walls many of the ancient and historic structures with spray painted graffiti displaying regimental and patriotic mottos.

Many historians believe that Ur is the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. From this city originated the line of dynasties that ruled Mesopotamia starting about 4000 BC; the wheel was invented here and the first poetry, the epic Gilganes was written here.

The Ziggurat -- a stepped pyramid, one of the best preserved monuments built by the Sumerians around 4000 BC and restored by the emperor Neduchadnezzar II in the sixth century is also located here. To add insult to injury, the US is building a massive airfield and base in this city. Clearly, what nature has not destroyed in over 6000 years of history, the forces of liberation will, within a short time.