Ruined wonders

Re “Sweeping view of the past,” Dec. 14

I was saddened to read about Babylon and wondered how could the different governments of Iraq over the course of their existence been so ignorant and nonchalant in failing to preserve one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

I wish a powerful entity could be created to protect and restore historic sites in Third World countries before they are completely obliterated and fall into eternal oblivion. After all, the hanging gardens of Babylon do not belong to Iraq only -- they belong to the world.

Harmik Gharibi

Glendale