Potential Water Conflicts in the Middle East
By Dr Nimrod Raphaeli
6 Aug 2007
The Middle East is often characterized as the most water-poor or water-stressed region in the world. It is also one region where the major rivers are transboundary, but the rights of the riparian countries are not fully observed giving rise to potential conflicts. Population growth and the attendant needs for drinking water and food coupled with outmoded and inefficient irrigation systems could intensify the conflicts, and may even cause them to burst into armed struggles. One recent example illustrates the problem: shortage of water in the Euphrates caused the hydro-power plants in Syria to perform below capacity, in turn causing power shortages and interruptions. At Syria’s behest, Turkey agreed to postpone the scheduled maintenance of its hydropower plants, thereby allowing more water into the Euphrates. This article first offers an introduction to the water poverty in the Middle East, and then focuses on three potential areas of conflict.
6 Aug 2007
The Middle East is often characterized as the most water-poor or water-stressed region in the world. It is also one region where the major rivers are transboundary, but the rights of the riparian countries are not fully observed giving rise to potential conflicts. Population growth and the attendant needs for drinking water and food coupled with outmoded and inefficient irrigation systems could intensify the conflicts, and may even cause them to burst into armed struggles. One recent example illustrates the problem: shortage of water in the Euphrates caused the hydro-power plants in Syria to perform below capacity, in turn causing power shortages and interruptions. At Syria’s behest, Turkey agreed to postpone the scheduled maintenance of its hydropower plants, thereby allowing more water into the Euphrates. This article first offers an introduction to the water poverty in the Middle East, and then focuses on three potential areas of conflict.
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