Hi. I heard a news item some time ago about the Euphrates Softshell (rafetus euphraticus) and the draining of the Shat-Al-Arab (?) marshlands by bad ol' Saddam back in the 90's. I was just wondering if anyone knows about these turtles or the progress on rehabilitating the marshes. Anyone back from Iraq ever see these things in the Tigris or Euphrates? Can't seem to find a pic of one, either. I just posted this on the MidEast Forum...but it looks like things are kinda slow there. Thought I'd try here, too. Thanks! TJ in Minnesota.