Should the UK return the Rosetta Stone?

It's an interesting debate going on about what should be considered "stolen" artifacts from the colonial era. Egypt would like to receive the famous Rosetta Stone back from the UK and the request is under consideration. To some degree, I agree with countries such as Egpyt or Cambodia who would like to have their art back. It was never a gift but simply taken during the colonial years. On the other hand, I've seen enough museums in the other countries to believe that it's not always possible to properly protect the magnificent pieces of history and art.

The Egpytian Museum in Cairo has an amazing collection. Each room is overflowing with incredible artifacts. It's also an outdated museum that lets in the harsh sun and has no climate control. When I was there in August 2007 I wondered how long things could last in such conditions. They are building a new museum in Giza so perhaps that will solve these problems. (You still have to travel to that Giza, which I disliked immensely.) The famous tombs in Egypt are another example of where the antiquities department is failing the country. Egypt generates a substantial amount of money from visitors yet they continue to do a poor job of properly protecting the magnificent art inside the tombs. It hardly gives confidence that there is much interest in preserving their history.

Looking at the Cambodian example, the French pilfered countless pieces which serve as the cornerstone of the Musée Guimet. This spectacular museum (one of my favorites anywhere) definitely helps introduce people to some of the finest examples of Asian art. It also inspires many to travel to Southeast Asia to see it in its original setting. When you walk around Angkor and see the damage done by the Khmer Rouge and later by art thieves (including missing pieces hacked out of the stone) you wonder how much more would have been stolen and ended up in posh antique stores had it remained in Cambodia.

There's little question about whether or not this art has been stolen. Should the art remain where it is today or should it be returned? Or, should both sides look for a middle ground of sharing and promoting travel to see it both at home and abroad?