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The Euphrates-Tigris basin: a case study in surface water conflict resolution

The Euphrates-Tigris basin: a case study in surface water conflict resolution
The Euphrates-Tigris basin: a case study in surface water conflict resolution
Historically, the Euphrates and Tigris waters have been a major source of freshwater conflict in the Middle East. Originating in Turkey, both rivers flow southwestward through Syria and Iraq, to discharge into the Persian Gulf. The irregularity in their seasonal flow necessitates the development of efficient storage and diversion systems to ensure adequate irrigation to the area's dominant agricultural sector. Consequently, water utilization projects undertaken by upstream riparian countries trigger confrontation, leading to hostilities and strained relations. These water development projects are best exemplified by theTurkish GAP project, which provides Turkey extensive control over the Euphrates water, through the construction of 22 dams and 19 hydropower plants. Located upstream, Turkey regards the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers as Turkish waters; the downstream countries, Syria and Iraq, view them as international rivers whose waters are to be mutually regulated. International politics, the typical East-West rivalry, and the continuous competition for leadership in the area further aggravates the conflict. This paper presents a decision case to be taken by an international committee composed of UN representatives, nongovernmental organization (NGO) mediators, and ministers of the involved riparian states. The committee (i.e., the participants) should set strategies for the resolution of the water conflict through the harmonious utilization of the Euphrates-Tigris waters. This case study targets a course of education at the graduate or senior undergraduate level based on water resources issues impacting stability in the Middle East.
1539-1582
99-110
El-Fadel, M.
5a565dad-695d-4dd3-a3a6-f02389b82dc4
El Sayegh, Y.
e99369ea-c5d0-4be4-b104-c4ace723d648
Abou Ibrahim, A.
4428c0d4-835a-4135-b9c8-cde140dae564
Jamali, D.
ecad12e8-7c41-4c06-ab9f-2a8bab2a01af
El-Fadl, K.
366d2ca5-4e2c-4a87-ba95-a2b18dbf7f04
El-Fadel, M.
5a565dad-695d-4dd3-a3a6-f02389b82dc4
El Sayegh, Y.
e99369ea-c5d0-4be4-b104-c4ace723d648
Abou Ibrahim, A.
4428c0d4-835a-4135-b9c8-cde140dae564
Jamali, D.
ecad12e8-7c41-4c06-ab9f-2a8bab2a01af
El-Fadl, K.
366d2ca5-4e2c-4a87-ba95-a2b18dbf7f04

El-Fadel, M., El Sayegh, Y., Abou Ibrahim, A., Jamali, D. and El-Fadl, K. (2002) The Euphrates-Tigris basin: a case study in surface water conflict resolution. Journal of Natural Resources & Life Sciences Education, 31, 99-110.

Record type: Article

Abstract

Historically, the Euphrates and Tigris waters have been a major source of freshwater conflict in the Middle East. Originating in Turkey, both rivers flow southwestward through Syria and Iraq, to discharge into the Persian Gulf. The irregularity in their seasonal flow necessitates the development of efficient storage and diversion systems to ensure adequate irrigation to the area's dominant agricultural sector. Consequently, water utilization projects undertaken by upstream riparian countries trigger confrontation, leading to hostilities and strained relations. These water development projects are best exemplified by theTurkish GAP project, which provides Turkey extensive control over the Euphrates water, through the construction of 22 dams and 19 hydropower plants. Located upstream, Turkey regards the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers as Turkish waters; the downstream countries, Syria and Iraq, view them as international rivers whose waters are to be mutually regulated. International politics, the typical East-West rivalry, and the continuous competition for leadership in the area further aggravates the conflict. This paper presents a decision case to be taken by an international committee composed of UN representatives, nongovernmental organization (NGO) mediators, and ministers of the involved riparian states. The committee (i.e., the participants) should set strategies for the resolution of the water conflict through the harmonious utilization of the Euphrates-Tigris waters. This case study targets a course of education at the graduate or senior undergraduate level based on water resources issues impacting stability in the Middle East.

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Published date: 2002

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 52883
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/52883
ISSN: 1539-1582
PURE UUID: c9c72428-6e00-40b8-8c7f-6084b79c3119

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Date deposited: 14 Jul 2008
Last modified: 11 Dec 2021 17:32

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Contributors

Author: M. El-Fadel
Author: Y. El Sayegh
Author: A. Abou Ibrahim
Author: D. Jamali
Author: K. El-Fadl

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