Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

1-26-91 It’s not clear how it happened, but there has been a massive oil spill in the Persian Gulf. The Iraqis claim that it was caused by coalition bombing, but the United States government denies it and says it was caused by Saddam Hussein [1937-2006]. Some commentators say that Hussein is trying to distract [sic; should be “divert”] the attention of the military. Whatever the cause, we have an environmental nightmare on our hands. The oil extends for many miles and is moving along the Saudi Arabian coastline. It could affect desalinization plants, and already it has killed countless animals. Who says war affects only human beings? It destroys animals, their habitats, and the ecosystem. If it turns out that Hussein ordered the release of the oil, for whatever reason, he should be tried for environmental terrorism. There is no reason in hell to make animals suffer for the misdeeds of human beings.