[NYTr] Iraq War Destroying Mesopotamia Wetlands

[nytr at olm.blythe-systems.com]

Granma International - Mar 2, 2007
http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2007/marzo/vier2/09mesapot-i.html


War in Iraq destroying the wetlands of Mesopotamia

BY RICARDO BRUNO OJEDA

DEFENDERS of the environment throughout the world are full of concern
because the expansion of the war in Iraq is destroying the little that
remains of the wetlands of Mesopotamia, where it is believed that the
biblical Garden of Eden was situated.

A sanctuary for millions of exotic birds, the wetlands of Mesopotamia are
the most important in the Middle East. With an oasis of regional dimension,
they have offered fertile land, water and air for centuries to millions of
inhabitants. But they are extremely fragile and are in the line of fire.

These ecosystems provide sustenance to countries such as Turkey, Iraq,
Syria and Iran. The heart of the wetlands is very close to the city of
Basra, one that has consistently suffered the most in terms of gunfire on
the part of U.S. and British troops.

The 1,600-plus oil wells in Iraq are a powder keg for the wetlands,
together with pollution caused by the use of conventional weapons.

Previously, the wetlands supplied the region's large-scale shrimp industry
as well as 50% of fresh fish in Iraq. These areas also witnessed the
arrival of thousands of ducks and geese which filled the local markets.

Specialists and environmentalists believe that the destruction of the
wetlands has affected the regional climate and had had a serious impact on
the habitat of almost 400 species of birds. At least three species of
incomparable beauty have disappeared in Iraq: the Sacred Ibis, the African
Darter and the Goliath Heron.

Oil wells in flames, air polluted with radioactivity, toxic substances,
contaminated aquifers, and thousands of people left dead, sick or displaced
are part of the scene being left by the war.

This demonstrates that Bush and his allies have absolutely no concern
whatsoever over the damage caused to life and the environment by their
military operations.