Posted on 08/24/2005 3:07:57 AM PDT by advance_copy
TOKYO — The marshlands of southern Iraq, reputed inspiration for the biblical Garden of Eden, have recovered rapidly since the fall of Saddam Hussein, whose regime turned much of the lush waterscape into arid salt flats, the United Nations said Wednesday.
New satellite imagery shows a rapid increase in water and vegetation cover in just the past three years, with the marshes rebounding to about 37 percent of the area they covered in 1970, up from about 10 percent in 2002, the United Nations Environmental Program (search) said.
"The evidence of their rapid revival is a positive signal," UNEP executive director Klaus Toepfer said in a report on a multimillion dollar restoration project.
Saddam drained much of the Mesopotamian waters between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers by building dams, dikes and canals to punish the Marsh Arab inhabitants for supporting a Shiite Muslim rebellion following the 1991 Persian Gulf War. He also ordered thousands killed.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
The U.N. is issuing press releases for results they aren't responsible for?
They forgot to say, "It's Bush's fault!"
Good news bump. No doubt, the U.N. made this happen. (sarc/off)
While this is a good thing, it'll naturally develop into another years' long sinecure for more UN slugs.
"While the re-flooding bodes well for the Iraqi marshes, their recovery will take many years," Toepfer said. "We must continue to monitor the situation carefully and make the necessary long-term investment in marshlands management."
Maybe on to something here - maybe some of the enviro-nuts will come on-board and start supporting the war...NOT!
"Saddam Hussein is an evil schmuck."
How can you say that?! According to some Freepers here, people had electricity, water and enjoyed basic freedoms (those who ere allowed to live, of course).
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