Egypt - Protectors of the Past

Out of all the news coming out of Egypt as its people attempt to gain the freedoms they deserve, the one I have found most touching regards the museum of antiquities in Cairo.  Apparently, a human chain of protectors formed around the building, as the ministry next door went up in flames, to keep would-be looters out.  This selfless act, to protect artifacts important to the history of our world, touches my heart.  I found the following article that relays the story well:  Egyptians rush to save Tut's riches.
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1/31

Unfortunately, some antiquities, including mummies were crushed by looters.  Nothing is "irreparable." But, for those of us who love the past, seeing the pictures of trampled wrappings and bones that have held together for 5000 years, only to be destroyed by infidels in our time, is beyond tragic.
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2/5
Unwrapping the mystery of the headless mummies  (MSNBC, by Rossella Lorenzi, 2/4/2011)

The above linked article states that a total of 70 antiquities were damaged by potential looters in Egypt last week.  But out of the tragedy, a new mystery is emerging that is catching the world's history lovers by storm:  What is the identity of the headless mummies shown strewn across the floor in the hours following Cairo's museum's infiltration?   "Despite close examinations of the released pictures, extensive archival research and opinion exchange on social networks, no expert has been able to identify them."   I love puzzles, and this may prove to be a whooper.
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3/13
Egypt's Archaeological Sites Stand Unguarded  (Discovery News, by Rossella Lorenzi, 3/9/2011)

Heartbreaking.  It is the only word I can come up with after reading the above linked article.  Here is an excerpt:

"In the past few weeks, looters have removed inscribed blocks from tombs at Saqqara, Giza and Abusir, and even tried to cut into pieces a colossal red granite statue of the 19th Dynasty king Ramesses II at the southern quarry of Aswan.  One of the biggest losses is the tomb of the royal scribe Ken Amun in Tell el-Maskhuta, near Ismailia. Dating to the 19th Dynasty B.C (1315-1201 B.C.), the burial is the first ever Ramesside-period tomb uncovered in Lower Egypt.Discovered last year, the burial featured beautifully decorated walls which are now a lost memory. Sadly, the site has been completely destroyed."

I know it sounds selfish, but I will never get a chance to see some of these artifacts now.  They will probably end up in private collections miles and miles from Egypt.  Truly heartbreaking.
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5/6

Every day, there is news of more artifacts being recovered.  Thieves trying to sell statues on the street are being nabbed and incarcerated, while their loot is returned to the museum.  I only hope these criminals are made to pay for their crimes.  Stealing your countries own heritage should be judged as treasonous, in my opinion.