Syria's Destroyed Cities (Video)

Syria's Ruined Cities (VIDEO) -- Global Post 

Six months ago the city of Maarat al-Nu'man was still functioning. Today it's rubble. It's a process that has played out over and over across Syria. MAARAT AL-NU’MAN, Syria — Empty concrete plinths, now robbed of their ancient treasures, shuddered with each explosion. Signs labeling first century coins and pottery sat below empty shelves. Mosaics dating back to the time of Christ lay scattered across the courtyard. Through the crumbling walls, smoke rose in the distance.

This was the once famous Alma Arra Museum in Maarat al-Nu’man, Syria. It is now home to a handful of rebel fighters. Ammunition and tools for cleaning weapons now lay in the courtyard. Army fatigues and medical supplies are stored on top of a 5th century limestone mosaic.

Across town, the city’s 900-year-old Great Mosque is also in ruins. The ancient citadel bears scars from the shelling that has bombarded this city since it came under opposition control in October.

“The first time I came here and saw this destruction I felt so disheartened,” said one of the museum’s Free Syria Army guards, Abdullah al-Allam. “These precious things that tell the history of our city — the Christian and Islamic eras — all stolen, destroyed … I feel so sad inside.”

Read more ....

My Comment: A disheartening video because you know that this destruction is happening everywhere in Syria. But what is particularly telling is the wholesale destruction of Syria's historical landmarks and artifacts .... while what happened in Iraq during the U.S./coalition invasion was bad .... this destruction is far worse and probably unprecedented in modern times. And sadly .... much of this history will be lost forever and the world will be poorer because of it.