Euphrates drought worries Iraq

BAGHDAD, July 14 (UPI) -- Scientists are warning drought and misguided policies are threatening to dry up Iraq's fabled Euphrates River.

The New York Times said Tuesday the size of the river has declined noticeably in recent years and could shrink even further in the near future.

The unwelcome development has officials worried about the impact on Iraq's fledgling democracy.

"We have a real thirst in Iraq," said Ali Baban, the minister of planning. "Our agriculture is going to die, our cities are going to wilt and no state can keep quiet in such a situation."

The Times also noted a dried-up Euphrates is mentioned in the Bible as one of the signs that the "End of Days" is looming.

On a more secular note, blame is being laid on neighboring Turkey and Syria, which have built a number of dams upstream from Iraq. There is also some ominous grumbling that Sunni Muslim areas don't seem to have any problem obtaining water from the river.