> When settlers first arrived in the area, it was mostly desert with some greenery along the rivers. After canal development, it became a lush landscape. The book contains incredible before and after photos.
Except for the photos, this is a good match for the development of Iraq several thousand years ago. As far as I understand, it's back to being desert everywhere today.
> As far as I understand, it's back to being desert everywhere today.
Not entirely. The once massive Mesopotamian Marshes (which were largely drained by Saddam to destroy the local Shia population) have been partially restored, from about 10% of the original size to about 50%. It will probably take many decades for the ecosystems to be restored, but it is nonetheless good news.
Except for the photos, this is a good match for the development of Iraq several thousand years ago. As far as I understand, it's back to being desert everywhere today.