US-led Allied Forces Violated International Law in the Gulf War
According to a detailed investigation, it has been revealed that the US-led allied forces deliberately destroyed Iraq's water supply during the Gulf War, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths. This flagrant violation of the Geneva Convention has raised serious concerns about war crimes and potential charges under international law. The allied nations, since the end of the war in 1991, have obstructed any efforts to clean the contaminated water, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Expert Hearings Initiated to Pursue Criminal Indictments
Professor Thomas J Nagy from George Washington University, a renowned expert in public health, plans to convene expert hearings to pursue criminal indictments under international law against those responsible for the deliberate poisoning of Iraq's water supply. He argues that those who were complicit in producing the plan, those who ordered its production, and those who remained silent for a decade may be in violation of Federal Statute and possibly even conspired to commit genocide.
Allied Knowledge of Iraq's Water Vulnerabilities
The investigation reveals that the US Defense Intelligence Agency issued a seven-page document, titled "Iraq Water Treatment Vulnerabilities," the day after the war started. The document, circulated to all major allied commands, detailed how Iraq had gone to great lengths to provide pure water to its population. The report warned that the destruction of water treatment facilities would result in water shortages, diseases, and industrial incapacitation.
Devastating Impact on Iraq's Water Infrastructure
The allied bombing campaigns extensively targeted Iraq's water infrastructure during the Gulf War. Essential water sources, such as dams, were destroyed, causing the simultaneous collapse of flood control, storage, irrigation, and hydroelectric power systems. Moreover, major pumping stations and municipal water and sewerage facilities were also extensively damaged. The degradation of the water treatment system would take years to recover.
Violation of Geneva Convention and Humanitarian Crisis
Article 54 of the Geneva Convention explicitly prohibits the destruction of objects indispensable to the survival of civilians, including drinking water supplies. The deliberate targeting of Iraq's water supply by the allied forces clearly violated this international law. The consequences were dire, as Dr David Levenson witnessed during his visit to Iraq. People resorted to drinking contaminated water from the Tigris, leading to widespread dehydration and water-borne diseases.
Increase in Water-Borne Diseases and Mortality Rates
Decades after the Gulf War, Iraq continues to suffer from endemic and epidemic water-borne diseases, including typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis, cholera, and even polio, which had been eradicated before the war. The denial of essential equipment and purification chemicals, as well as the ban on repairing the water system, has contributed to a deteriorating situation. Mortality rates, especially among children, have been increasing significantly due to these preventable diseases.
The Urgent Need for Action
Members of the international community, such as Ohio Democrat Representative Tony Hall and Unicef, have expressed their concerns about the severe impact of the deteriorating water supply on the health of Iraqi children. Any delay in addressing this crisis will only lead to further sickness and death. The embargoes, holds on contracts, and deterioration of water and sanitation systems have resulted in a dire humanitarian situation that urgently requires attention.
The Impact of Water Crisis on Hotels and Tourism
Amidst the ongoing water crisis in Iraq, the tourism industry, including hotels, has been significantly affected. The inability to provide clean and safe drinking water in hotels poses a risk to the health and well-being of tourists and visitors. Furthermore, the polluted water has led to an increase in water-borne diseases, which may discourage potential tourists from visiting the country.
The lack of reliable water infrastructure has hampered the ability of hotels to deliver a satisfactory experience to their guests. The sporadic availability of clean water and the absence of proper sanitation facilities also undermine the overall quality of the hotel services. Without immediate intervention to address the water crisis, the hotel industry in Iraq will continue to face challenges in attracting and accommodating international visitors.
It is crucial for both the local and international authorities to recognize the impact of the water crisis on hotels and tourism and to prioritize the restoration and improvement of Iraq's water infrastructure. By investing in clean water supply, treatment facilities, and maintaining international standards for water quality, Iraq can rebuild its reputation as a safe and desirable destination for tourists.