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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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6

Drying Euphrates Cripples Iraq

Turkish, Syrian dams, Iraqi practices blamed

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(Newser) – Iraqis are suffering as the Euphrates river dwindles, a result of Turkish and Syrian dams upstream, a 2-year drought, and Iraqi’s own mismanagement of its water supply, the New York Times reports. Farmers and fishermen have been ruined and key grain-growing land desiccated. “The old men say it’s the worst they remember,” says one fisherman.

Many blame Turkey and Syria, which have at least seven dams on the river. Turkey has lately doubled the flow into the Euphrates, bringing it to 60% of its average, but there’s no official agreement to maintain it. Others say Iraqis must improve their handling of the water, eliminating waste and improving drainage. Whatever the solution, it must come soon, warns a farmer.

In this photo taken July 9, 2009, a woman checks her land in Latifiyah, Iraq. Below-average rainfall and insufficient water in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers have left Iraq bone-dry.
In this photo taken July 9, 2009, a woman checks her land in Latifiyah, Iraq. Below-average rainfall and insufficient water in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers have left Iraq bone-dry.   (AP Photo)
In this photo taken July 9, 2009, children play at a canal in Latifiyah, about 20 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq.
In this photo taken July 9, 2009, children play at a canal in Latifiyah, about 20 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq.   (AP Photo)
In this photo taken July 9, 2009, a man crosses a canal in Latifiyah, about 20 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq.
In this photo taken July 9, 2009, a man crosses a canal in Latifiyah, about 20 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq.   (AP Photo)
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Our agriculture is going to die, our cities are going to wilt, and no state can keep quiet in such a situation. - Ali Baban, Iraq's planning minister

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6 comments
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Unaffiliated
Jul 14, 09 9:02 AM CDT
Ensuring its citizens have what they need to survive and thrive is a big maturing point for the Iraqi gov. Best of luck to them. Reply
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
ultramagnus21
Jul 14, 09 10:56 AM CDT
I agree. The Euphrates nurtured the Mesopotamians for who knows how long, it's sad that the climate is taking a turn for the worst.
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0
donnz
Jul 14, 09 9:19 AM CDT
As 'potable Water & edible Crops become the weapon of the new World Order and the primary tool of the next Ethnic erratication... I say damn all the Dams & allow Nature to take its course. Reply
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+2
IN RESPONSE:
SBS
Jul 14, 09 4:55 PM CDT
Future predictions concerning water are scary. As in the past wars will be fought over it. Too many people and not enough water is not good.
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0
schmidtkoff
Jul 14, 09 10:12 AM CDT
i agree. nature took pretty good care of herself before man decided to intervene and dam this and dam that. well i say damn them. Reply
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+1

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