Unexpected side-effects

Apparently in reponse to the rampant looting of historical and artistic treasures after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the U.N. has formed a rapid response force of "blue berets" to step in wherever art treasures are threatened by war or natural disaster.

According to a report in the newspaper Corriere della Sera on Wednesday, the agreement provided for the involvement of engineers, architects, archaeologists, art historians, restorers, geologists, seismologists, book conservation specialists and experts in the illegal trafficking of art works.

Under the terms of the plan, the government of an affected country will contact UNESCO officials in Paris, who will assess the urgency of the crisis. They will then ask Rome for an emergency action group to be dispatched.

Well, perhaps something good will come of all that senseless loss...

(via Follow Me Here)