Opinion | War in Iran: Why destroying cultural heritage is a foolish strategic move in any conflict
Summary
Destruction of Iran's cultural heritage in the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign highlights the strategic and humanitarian consequences of ignoring international laws protecting historical sites.
Key Points
- The ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran has caused extensive civilian casualties and damage to cultural heritage sites.
- International humanitarian law protects cultural property, including monuments and archaeological sites, to limit wartime destruction.
- Protecting cultural heritage is strategically smart as it fosters local support and respects national identity during conflicts.
- Damage to cultural heritage often strengthens national unity and government legitimacy rather than weakening regimes, as seen in historical conflicts.
