ISIS destroys Palmira theater, UNESCO criticized for inaction

ISIS has destroyed the proscenium of the ancient Roman theater and the Tetrapylon at the archaeological site of Palmira, Syria. The attacks were confirmed by satellite evidence. The article criticizes UNESCO for its inaction, arguing that the organization failed to protect the site after ISIS recaptured Palmira in December. The author calls for UNESCO to be dissolved or reformed, suggesting Italian Minister Dario Franceschini, who sponsored the creation of the Blue Helmets for Culture, should lead it. Franceschini stated that the G7 Culture meeting in Florence on March 30-31 will be an opportunity to share concrete actions against the destruction of cultural heritage and the illicit trafficking of cultural goods that finances terrorism.