In this episode of Ehkili, Mysa Kafil-Hussain speaks with Jassim Al-Assadi and Steve Lonergan, authors of "The Ghosts of Iraq's Marshes: A History of Conflict, Tragedy, and Restoration." They delve into the history, environmental challenges, and cultural significance of the marshlands, as well as the authors' collaboration on their book. They discuss the impact of draining the Iraqi marshes on local communities and the area's ecological importance, shedding light on a significant and often overlooked part of Iraq's history and environment.
00:00 Introduction: Saddam's Invasion and the Marshes 00:44 Meet the Authors 03:50 Understanding Iraq's Marshlands 11:27 Jassim's Childhood in the Marshes 18:18 Steve's Journey to the Marshes 25:54 The Impact of Saddam's Draining of the Marshes 37:49 The Aftermath and Current State of the Marshes 41:39 Displacement and Cultural Loss 50:49 Resources for Further Learning
Steve Lonergan is professor emeritus in the Department of Geography, at the University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada, and former director of the Science Division at the United Nations Environment Programme. From 2006 to 2010, he led the Canadian-Iraq Marshlands Initiative, funded by the Canadian government. His books include Watershed: The Role of Fresh Water in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict (with David B. Brooks, 1994).
Jassim Al-Asadi is an Iraqi engineer and environmental activist who was born in the marshes of southern Iraq. He played a pivotal role in the registration of the Marshes as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016.
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