American history is full of examples of the United States’ assault upon the environment, wildlife, marine life and its excessive use of natural resources resulting in rapid depletion of energy and fresh water resources. The US is currently the world’s largest producer of hazardous wastes and the one responsible for the largest amount of gas emissions which affect the ozone directly, resulting from the production and use of chlorofluorocarbons and the launch of spaceships in addition to the damage done by spy satellites and supersonic planes.
Here in the Middle East, the US has been the major player since the late 1970s, turning the region into a test ground for its weapons. For the first time in history, America used depleted uranium weapons in Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War without paying any attention to its health hazards or its effects on humans and the environment. American soldiers who served in the Gulf have complained of various illnesses associated with what is called Gulf War Syndrome. The American government has been quick to deny that any of the symptoms were related to exposure to the dust resulting from the use of depleted uranium shells. During the Gulf War, the US fired some 4,000 tank shells with between four and five kilograms of depleted uranium — in addition to more than 800,000 30mm shells each containing 300 milligrams of depleted uranium. American A-10 tank buster planes released some 300 tons of depleted uranium shells.
During these unlawful assaults upon the environment, shells dropped released minute particles of uranium oxide which stayed in the air and polluted the entire region. Studies have shown the presence of these materials in the soil and underground water in the area of Basra in Iraq. Different kinds of cancer have been detected in polluted areas, especially among children. It was only in 1998, seven years after the end of the war, that the Pentagon admitted using depleted uranium shells in quantities amounting to 300 to 400 tons. The dangerous airborne material spread quickly to contaminate large areas in southern Iraq and neighboring countries. Arab governments kept a tight lip on stories about the use of depleted uranium weapons and failed to pressure international organizations to do anything.
Arab efforts for the protection and preservation of the environment remain isolated and inefficient. The ecological systems are constantly and severely damaged as a result of continual wars. What we need to know is how many depleted uranium weapons were used in the latest war and what their effect on neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, will be. It is time the authorities woke up to a danger that could threaten future generations.
Arab News From the Local Press 30 April 2003
