It was less than a month ago when Zahi Hawass, the Egyptologist who has made a name for himself with his flamboyant ways, stepped down from the cabinet. Today, however, the prime minister of Egypt’s interim government announced that he was reappointed to the same position.

The news is sure to frustrate many archaeologists. In mid-February, over 150 archeology students held a protest chanting “Get out” outside Hawass’ office, accusing him of not caring about the large unemployment problem that archeology graduates face.

Colleagues and peers have also often secretly attacked Hawass, calling him a dictator who refuses any opinion that is different or opposing to his. International peers in particular could never criticize him publicly due to the tight grip he held on permits for dig sites across Egypt.

He has also been criticized for his close ties to ousted president Mubarak which is why revolutionist spoke out against him.

During the revolution, Hawass came out publicly saying that all monuments in the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities were safe and sound. However, a couple of weeks later experts analyzing the damage to the museum during the revolution found that dozens of items were looted or destroyed. Across the country, many dig sites and graves were also broken into and stolen.

Hawass resigned at the news of all the looting during the first week of March, but Essam Sharaf just reappointed him as antiquities minister earlier today.

Twitter exploded with angry comments from Egyptians and foreigners following the announcement.

The New York Times reports that, in a phone call interview, Hawass explained his return to his position as part of dedication and love for Egyptology. He is quoted as saying “I cannot live without antiquities, and antiquities cannot live without me.”

I guess Hawass is still determined then to speak in the name of Egypt’s rich antiquities history.