An article in Nature discusses the potential of archaeological heritage sites in Egypt and Libya for contributing to post-Arab Spring stability. For those who want more information on archaeological heritage sites in the Middle East and North Africa, cultural anthropologist Michael Cernea provides an excellent overview in his report, Cultural Heritage and Development: A Framework for Action in the Middle East and North Africa.

In addition to Cernea’s excellent recommendations, I would add a plea that any and all heritage projects in the MENA region, and elsewhere, pay special attention to participatory approaches and, particularly, inclusion of women in leadership and income-generating positions.