Who's in Charge?

Dr. Zahi Hawass played a large role in my early love for Egyptian antiquity.  Like a whole generation of wide eyed young people, I absolutely loved watching History Channel documentaries about the pyramids and the intrigue of pharaohnic politics.   So naturally I questioned what happened to him since the Revolution, as well as the state of Egypt's momuments.

In an article from February 2011, Science Magazine documents growing protest against Hawass, who was recently made Minister for Antiquities by Hosni Mubarak, from museum workers seeking higher wages.  Add that to a decade sized dose of criticism from international archaeologists accusing Hawass of dictatorial control of Egyptian antiquities, and my childhood idolization was a little shaken.

I'm a rather hopeful that Hawass comes out of the Revolution with his career intact.  I would shudder to think what might happen to the museums in major cities if riots and looting continue.  With such a solid reputation as manager of caretaker of Egypt's history, Hawass has the passion and personality to secure what might be his country's only surviving industry as unrest continues.