BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Safeguarding Endangered Cultural Heritage, a conference held in Abu Dhabi December 3-4, called for international support to protect the endangered cultural heritage of the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Syria. Conference participants approved establishing a $100 million fund and a safe haven network for use during conflicts. The problem in Iraq is one of conflict as well as neglect. On Nov. 25, after the liberation of Nimrud -- the Assyrian archaeological site south of Mosul -- from the Islamic State (IS), UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova announced, "The damage inflicted to Nimrud is a major loss for Iraq and for the world." She also asserted, "The protection and rehabilitation of Iraqi's heritage, in Nimrud and beyond, is essential for stability and cohesion in the country and the entire region." The destruction of Iraq's cultural heritage is not limited to extremist groups like IS and widely known ancient sites. Some governorates and municipalities are also culpable in the neglect and destruction of locally historic places. For example, on Nov. 13, the local government in Diyala gave a developer permission to demolish the oldest cinema in the governorate, a cultural and entertaining landmark built in 1949. Its decision raised the ire of a broad segment of the population, which viewed the act as "uncivilized" and a sign of "ignorance" about the importance of culture and heritage. Read the full story here.