"Or do you have examples of other regimes or groups destroying or inadequately preserving art and artifacts?"

"The Rape of Europa tells the epic story of the systematic theft, deliberate destruction and miraculous survival of Europe’s art treasures during the Third Reich and the Second World War.

In a journey through seven countries, the film takes the audience into the violent whirlwind of fanaticism, greed, and warfare that threatened to wipe out the artistic heritage of Europe. For twelve long years, the Nazis looted and destroyed art on a scale unprecedented in history. But young art professionals as well as ordinary heroes, from truck drivers to department store clerks, fought back with an extraordinary effort to safeguard, rescue and return the millions of lost, hidden and stolen treasures. "

Regardless, you are correct that considering race is irrelevant and detrimental in discussion of this matter. The British misappropriated antiquities from the Greeks just as well as they did from everyone else.

And I agree with your response to the issue but I still have some questions. Should caretakers of artifacts have the discretion to return them or not based on the intent and capability of the original owner(s)?

Let's say I like to rip discs in half. Is it alright for you not to return a disc you took from me because you think it's wrong for me to rip it in half?

Also, how does one define and track ownership over millennia of cultural and political changes?

Aside from that, I think there is responsibility amongst all people to preserve antiquities. I think that the British had no right to take any of their 'collection,' but I do think they have a responsibility to make sure what's in their possession is preserved. Basically, they need to return any artifacts that would be safe upon return. The Brits should have preservation on their mind at this point. We shouldn't blame the British for the mistakes of their ancestors, as long as they do the right thing now (which they probably won't).

And, as sad as it is to say this, the Greek antiquities are definitely displayed better in the British Museum than in Greek museums. Of course, that might have something to do with the fact that they've cut into that tourism market.