And did Bush et al actually know about the marsh situation before now? Kind of hard to hold this up as a victory for Bush if it was simply a fortunate accidental by-product of the war. (and one that is only wishful thinking so far, it seems - let's see how much Bush budgets for Iraqi wetland restoration).

I truly hope that someone can have the will and skill to bring the wetlands back to some semblance of their former state. They will never be the same, of course, but they could be important once more. I think that such places are important and valuable beyond even the comprehension of the scientists studying them.