>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 12/03/02 22:39 PM >>> To say that Iraq before the Gulf War had some success in developing health and education does not make someone a supporter of SH. All too often in political discourse to say a positive word about any of today's demons, makes one an agent of the devil. Michael Perelman <<<>>>
iraqi gov't, at one time, was among handful that accepted principle of spontaneous settlement(more commonly known as squatting) in addressing housing issues... approach involved relatively low-cost upgrading of 'shanties' with roads, sewer, electricity, water...low rents & community links were sustained while infrastructure development created jobs...gov't would offer people sites on which to build their own residences (providing construction guidance as well)...folks received tenure security and protection against rent inflation... education and health facilities were built to service such areas... result was string of villages in which residents could preserve/practice culture, maintain/foster mutual help & support... communities helped cushion people against urban isolation/alienation *and* blocked use of inappropriate western planning/ zoning ideas... michael hoover
