The destruction of Iraq

"Decades of war and mismanagement, compounded by two years of drought, are wreaking havoc on Iraq's ecosystem, drying up riverbeds and marshes, turning arable land into desert, killing trees and plants, and generally transforming what was once the region's most fertile area into a wasteland.

Falling agricultural production means that Iraq, once a food exporter, will this year have to import nearly 80% of its food, spending money that is urgently needed for reconstruction projects. " (Thanks Layla)

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraq-dust30-2009jul30,0,3137832.story

They talk about the war as if it was a natural catastrophe that has happened to Iraq. Who made the war on Iraq? Who fomented the Iran-Iraq war? Who is responsible for the destruction of Iraq'a food producing abilities? Compare Iraq with Syria: they both have transboundary water problems, both suffered the doughts, both from centrally planned economy background and both food self sufficient until the war. Syria is still nearly self sufficient, and Iraq is the new dust bowl.