Introduction

ISIS poses a significant threat to the cultural heritage of Egypt, particularly the iconic pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx have stood for millennia, but the ongoing conflict in the region makes their protection increasingly challenging.

Understanding the Threat

As a former student of conflict archaeology, I recall witnessing firsthand the aftermath of military operations on cultural heritage sites during Desert Storm. My professor highlighted that the structures in question, such as ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats, though severely impacted by modern conflicts, were not at immediate risk of destruction due to their massive scale. This sort of situation was seen again during the 2001 destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan by the Taliban. These Buddhas, much smaller than the mono-dimensional scale of the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, still required weeks of concerted effort, heavy artillery, and explosives to bring them down. Thus, any attempt to destroy or significantly damage the grand structures of the pyramids and the Sphinx would be far more formidable and time-consuming.

Ancient Resilience

The pyramids, composed of over 2 million stone blocks each weighing several tons, were constructed with the intent of standing the test of time. The Great Pyramid of Giza, dating back to 2560 BCE, has withstood centuries of erosion, wars, and other tribulations. During the Napoleonic era, when the French occupied Egypt, an attempt was made to penetrate the Great Pyramid. After considerable effort, the sole result was minor damage to a small section near the base. Such stories demonstrate the resilience of these ancient monuments, though they do not provide a guarantee of safety in the modern era.

The Threat of Extremism

Moreover, if the Islamic State (ISIS) were to pose a serious threat to the pyramids and the Sphinx, it would indicate a far greater and more immediate danger to the nation, far surpassing the preservation of its cultural heritage. The protection of portable artifacts and vulnerable sites is undoubtedly crucial; however, the Egyptian government must prioritize the lives of its citizens and the preservation of more immediate infrastructure and security. The global community is rightly concerned about the preservation of these ancient wonders, but it must grapple with the real and present dangers faced by the country's civilian population.

Government Response and Challenges

The Egyptian government, like any nation, has the responsibility to protect its cultural heritage, but this quest for preservation must be balanced against other critical needs. The government has numerous challenges, including ongoing security threats, economic stability, and the general well-being of its citizens. In the face of an enemy capable of causing significant destruction, the government must prioritize the protection of its people and its infrastructure.

The absence of significant damage to the pyramids and the Sphinx during previous conflicts is a testament to their resilience and the fact that they can withstand minor and even moderate levels of military activity. The story about Napoleon's troops shooting the nose off the Sphinx has been debunked and is considered apocryphal. Nonetheless, in a worst-case scenario, destroying or even significantly damaging such vast and ancient structures would require an enormous amount of time and resources, making it a formidable task for any extremist group.

Conclusion

In the face of the ongoing conflict, the Egyptian government and the international community must remain vigilant in their efforts to protect and preserve these iconic landmarks. While the commitment to cultural heritage is laudable, it is imperative to prioritize the safety and welfare of the Egyptian people. Protecting the pyramids and the Sphinx is important, but it must be balanced with the need to secure the nation's future and protect its citizens.