News roundup

David Spector brings some snippets that you may have missed

Some success in restoration of Iraq Marshes

The United Nations Environment Programme reports that 58% of the area has now been inundated, although there are doubts as to whether the original vegetation will return. Saddam drained the region because he considered that the population were ready to rebel against him following the 1991 Gulf War.

95% of looted treasures restored

Most of the items that were stolen from the Iraqi Museum after the invasion, have been restored but antiquities smuggling is still funding the insurgency.

School enrolment indicates *evidence of increased prosperity*

Under Saddam enrolment and literacy fell. These trends have been reversed for three consecutive years, with a 7.4% increase in children registered at schools.

Kurdish region attracts foreign investment aiming for Baghdad

Companies intending to invest in Baghdad are starting in the Kurdish region and waiting for security to prevail.