Drought threatens Iraq's marshes, risking one of the oldest ways of life

NPR | By Jane Arraf

Published November 12, 2026 at 4:31 AM EST

The unique marshes of southern Iraq are beginning to revive after five years of devastating drought. But challenges remain for one of the world's oldest ways of life.

NPR News

Jane Arraf

Jane Arraf covers Egypt, Iraq, and other parts of the Middle East for NPR News.

See stories by Jane Arraf

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