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Iraqi museum struggles to recover lost artefacts and glory

BAGHDAD (AFP) – It was one of the most impressive collections of historical artefacts in the world. But in the seven years since Saddam Hussein was ousted, Baghdad's National Museum has struggled to recover not just its pillaged treasures, but also its lost lustre.

Officially reopened with great fanfare in February 2009, a cloud now hangs over the imposing brick structure in the centre of the Iraqi capital, once again closed to the public, this time for renovation.

"We plan to rehabilitate the galleries, strengthen security measures and install new lighting and air conditioning systems," says museum director Amira Edan, sitting in her cavernous but clearly ageing office.

Pausing periodically to turn off a noisy, archaic air conditioner so that she could be heard, Edan conceded she did not know when its 24 galleries would re-open to the public after the latest closure....
Read entire article at AFP