An epidemiological study made in Iraq by Dr. AlimYacoub shows a direct correlation between the rise in childhood cancer and leukaemia and the high exposure to DU dust in certain parts of Basra[3]. The rise has been 384% and 300% respectively. Both allied veterans and the Iraqi population are also suffering from neurological disorders, respiratory problems, immune deficiency syndromes and rare kidney and bowel diseases. These are all consistent with the radiological and toxic effects of internal exposure to DU. Additional factors were the cocktail of vaccines given to military, the misuse of pesticides - hazards which did not apply to Iraqi civilians - and the release of chemical gases through bombing. A similar story has been repeated in the Balkans and Afghanistan.
What can be expected from the proposed war on Iraq?
The U.N. and many NGO’s are addressing the appalling consequences of a full scale military attack on Iraq. A leaked draft U.N. document dated 3 January 2003 predicts that “In the event of a crisis, 30 percent of children under 5 would be at risk of death from malnutrition". This amounts to 1.26 million children. It also concludes that "the collapse of essential services in Iraq ... could lead to a humanitarian emergency of proportions well beyond the capacity of UN agencies and other aid organizations"[4]. Only 39% of Iraqis may have even rationed access to water in the event of war. Iraq is a far worse position to withstand a military attack today than it was in 1991.
What can be expected from the proposed war on Iraq?
The U.N. and many NGO’s are addressing the appalling consequences of a full scale military attack on Iraq. A leaked draft U.N. document dated 3 January 2003 predicts that “In the event of a crisis, 30 percent of children under 5 would be at risk of death from malnutrition". This amounts to 1.26 million children. It also concludes that "the collapse of essential services in Iraq ... could lead to a humanitarian emergency of proportions well beyond the capacity of UN agencies and other aid organizations"[4]. Only 39% of Iraqis may have even rationed access to water in the event of war. Iraq is a far worse position to withstand a military attack today than it was in 1991.