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I think this is an interesting debate, and it will last for long. On the one hand I agree with Geoff in establishing the framework of our reaction as archaeologists and I do appreciate Sarah's effort in trying to find some stable supports to prevent the looting. On the other, however, I cannot avoid thinking that Maresi and Umberto are right in pointing out that our reaction would be short-sighted if we limit ourselves to that. Archeologists don't "emerge", they are the product of a society, and I would say that archaeology in the Western societies has developed along two important "moral" ideas (or sets of them): one (positive) is individual rights (amongst which free speech is paramount) and the other (negative) is Eurocentrism. These two basis inform all what we debate in terms of our contribution to society. It is clear that Egypt and many other countries have not had the same chances (with the acknowledgement of our democratically chosen governments) and I think that it is part of our duty as archaeologists to help them to enter discussion on these basis or others that they could offer. Of course I don't think that anyone here will oppose the suppoting of a truly democratic regime in Egypt (as far as democracy can be truth in these days), but I am just saying that it is part of our commitment as archaeologists and citizens and we should state that very clearly (besides helping against the looting). After all, if heritage is our area of expertise, our subjetc of study (and of improvement, I would say) is human society. However I have to confess that I don't really know how to implement that in practical terms. A manifesto, maybe? Any ideas? Hope I was not too boring. Best wishes Jose José C. Carvajal IEF Research Fellow Department of Archaeology University of Sheffield Northgate House West Street SHEFFIELD S1 4ET Tel: +44 114 222 2903 Fax: +44 114 272 2563