The biggest losses

The latest television reports and pictures from Egypt are very disturbing, not only for the violence and loss of life, but for the whole population and their history, both current and ancient. The problems caused in countries where there is a dictator, tyrannical ruler or despot in power have a detrimental affect on more than the people who live in these countries when war or violent protests break out.
Ancient history and historical sites can be lost forever not to mention the loss of wildlife. You only have to look at what Saddam Hussein did in Iraq when he dammed the rivers so that the marshes dried up when he tried to get rid of the Marsh Arabs that had lived there in peace for thousands of years. Fortunately people are trying to re-instate the marshes which it is thought, used to be The Garden of Eden and was also an important wildlife refuge, but the area is so large it will take a great many years and the co-operation of Iran and Turkey to stop damming the rivers in their countries too.
There are so many priceless sites of early Egyptian civilisations that could be lost, just as other ancient sites have been lost all around the middle eastern countries due to wars, civil unrest and rulers who were hell bent on power over their people, money and the destruction of their history. The loss of such treasures and ruins has a knock on effect for the people of these countries when they lose the tourists who bring money and employment to them.
It's very sad when the people of these countries don't stop to think about protecting their inheritance for future years and even worse when some of them think that looting and wanton destruction of priceless antiquities is alright.
While I can fully understand that they want to rid themselves of a tyrant, I also feel very sad about the very long term effect and cost that any civil unrest or war will have for them and future generations.