@neologist,
Will it forever be populated only by ostriches and goats and whatnot? The only logical way to find out if "never" and "forever" are true prophecies is to wait until the end of time, unless you know a way to see into the future. There are people living in the area now.
And to say that Babylon will never exist again as the same political and social entity is hardly prophecy. I'd link you to the Wiki page list of ancient cities that don't exist anymore, but I know you have a phobia about off-site links. The list is extensive.