Iain Murray has some good news on the environmental front–the restoration of the Aral Sea. And as Iain points out, this was unquestionably a tragedy caused by man–not by global warming, but by a Stalinist command economy. And it reminds me of the fatuousness of the Pope’s comments the other day, that “no good came out of the war in Iraq.” (Michael Novak has his own thoughts on that.)

One could probably write a book on the many good things that have come out of removing Saddam from power, but just one is the reversal of another environmental catastrophe, also caused by oppression and a Stalinist-style government–the draining of the Euphrates marshes. With Saddam’s removal, plans to restore them began almost immediately, and the progress has been impressive, if not perfect:

The restoration of southern Iraq’s Mesopotamian marshes is now a giant ecosystem-level experiment. Uncontrolled release of water in many areas is resulting in the return of native plants and animals, including rare and endangered species of birds, mammals, and plants. The rate of restoration is remarkable, considering that reflooding occurred only about two years ago. Although recovery is not so pronounced in some areas because of elevated salinity and toxicity, many locations seem to be functioning at levels close to those of the natural Al-Hawizeh marsh, and even at historic levels in some areas.

Nothing good from the Iraq war? Ask a Marsh Arab.