Maamoun Abdulkarim
ON THE RECORD · 6 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“formed a critical juncture, as it coincided with the fall of Mosul in Iraq, the looting of its civilizational museum, and the destruction of antiquities from Nineveh and Assyria,”
Maamoun Abdulkarim · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-05
Abdulkarim described the period in 2014 when ISIS rapidly expanded its control as a critical juncture for Syrian antiquities authorities.
“In a cultural emergency, waiting for perfect conditions can become more dangerous than acting under uncertainty,”
Maamoun Abdulkarim · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-05
Abdulkarim emphasized that delays in protecting cultural heritage during emergencies can be more dangerous than acting under uncertainty.
“It fundamentally involves decision-making, institutional resilience, trust and the ability to adapt rapidly to changing circumstances,”
Maamoun Abdulkarim · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-05
Abdulkarim argued in his study that carrying out a rescue amid active hostilities requires more than logistical planning.
“It is also about when we decide to act, whom we trust and how quickly we are prepared to adapt.”
Maamoun Abdulkarim · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-05
Abdulkarim reflected on the broader meaning of heritage protection during wartime in his study.
“Heritage protection during war is not only about what we save,”
Maamoun Abdulkarim · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-05
Abdulkarim reflected on the broader meaning of heritage protection during wartime in his study.
“There is rarely a perfect moment to act during an armed conflict; often, delaying a decision in search of greater certainty poses a greater danger than acting under uncertainty.”
Maamoun Abdulkarim · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-05
Abdulkarim discussed the challenges of acting during armed conflict in his study on the rescue operation.