A Case in Antiquities for 'Finders Keepers'. I agree with this sentiment. While Egypt certainly has some claim to their plundered treasures, they don't need all of them, and the Egyptian Antiquities Director's attitude of denying archaeological teams from certain countries digging permits because a particular museum won't turn over an item he wants is definitely not furthering the cause of discovery and seems rather petty to me. Plus, it only increases the world citizenry's interest in Eqypt to get a glimpse of such treasures in regions closer to home. No doubt many such trips bringing needed tourism dollars to Egypt were inspired by such museum visits at a younger age.

Via Instapundit.