One would nevertheless assume that time, effort and necessary funding would be made availabe at least to make a good survey of the area and point out which sites are worth preserving and which can be destroyed. This much the authorities in Beirut have nominally conceded. According to Dr. Naccache, the archeologists who are working in the field are doing their best. He recomends most of them. The problem is that they are given time frames and working conditions that are impossible.
Archeologists have to make decisions on the spot.
When they are delayed the bolldozers get to work. Moreover archeologists have no authority over the contrcution workers. The bulldozers are throwing tons of archeological remains into the sea. The sites in Beirut offer a unique opportunity for the recovery of the past of the city. I believe that we should do something to help influence the situation.