A recent conference of international scientists explored the possibility of restoring the ancient marshlands of southern Iraq, and designating the area a world heritage site. The marshlands were the home of the Marsh Arabs, or Madan, whose history and unique culture dates back roughly 5,000 years. Saddam Hussein drained the marshes in retaliation for the Marsh Arabs uprising at the end of the Gulf War. Displaced Marsh Arabs are overwhelmingly in favor of returning to their homeland if the marshlands are restored.
