Even to use an analogy, I am reluctant to mention the possibility. I mean kidnapping. I cannot say the word without adding, God forbid. But will you imagine it? A child kidnapped. Would you ransom the child? You would sell everything you own and give it to the criminals to get the child back.

No one would tell you not to pay ransom to the kidnappers because it would be buying stolen goods from thieves. The kidnappers are thieves, and worse. Yet we deal with them if we must.

Thus the analogy: If we want to recover looted antiquities, we have no choice but to deal with the thieves—and ransom the loot. Otherwise, it will be lost forever.