article_snippet: (CNN)The sack and pillage of the Mosul museum by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria displayed a violence rarely seen since the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamyian.
article_snippet: The bulldozing of the archaeological site of Nimrud marked a new step in the cultural cleansing underway in Iraq.
article_snippet: These acts are a deliberate attack against civilians, minorities, heritage sites and traditions.
article_snippet: It is appalling to see the ravages of this violent extremism in a region that is a cradle of civilization, whose temples, palaces and frescoes have born witness to the glory of Iraq and Mesopotamia for the last 3,000 years.
article_snippet: It is important we understand the true nature of this conflict.
article_snippet: There can be no justification whatsoever for the systematic destruction of the heritage of humanity, and I wholeheartedly support the many religious leaders who have taken such a firm position denouncing these destructions and the perverted use of religion.
article_snippet: What is happening goes far beyond the domain of archaeologists and discourse on the "irreparable loss of treasures of humanity.
article_snippet: The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage is a war crime.
article_snippet: We see how terrorists are using such destruction to destabilize populations, spread terror, and encourage violence.
article_snippet: We see also how extremists use heavy military vehicles to transport artifacts from looted‎ sites, and how illicit trafficking is directly funding terrorism.
highlights_snippet: ISIS bulldozed site of ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in northern Iraq .
  
highlights_snippet: Appalling to see the ravages of this violent extremism .