“On Thursday, the Egyptian government said it is downgrading the antiquities department from a ministry to an office reporting to the prime minister, reversing a decision by former president Hosni Mubarak in the last days of his rule to elevate its status. Mr. Hawass was pushed out, along with several other cabinet members, as part of an effort by Prime Minister Essam Sharaf to appease protesters who had returned to Tahrir Square to demand further changes in the government.”