== Threats to Assur ==
The Chaldean site was put on [[UNESCO]]'s List of [[World Heritage]] in Danger in 2003, at which time the site was threatened by a looming large-scale dam project that would have submerged the ancient archaeological site.<ref>[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1130/threats/ UNESCO World Heritage in Danger 2003]</ref> The dam project was put on hold shortly after the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]].
As of march 7 2015, the city is in [[ISIL]] held territory. The very recent destruction of other ancient cities in ISIL territory such as [[Hatra]], [[Khorsabad]], and [[Nimrud]] shows that the city is at extremely high risk of unprecedented destruction. The city may have hope though, as it is on the border of ISIS held territory, and could potentially be saved if borders fluctuate or skirmishes continue with the [[Peshmerga]].