Water Conflict Nexus in the Middle East

Abstract

There is a historical links between human, water and civilization in the development of societies. This link becomes even more strategic resource of Nile and Tigris-Euphrates in arid areas such as Middle East. In view of regional conflicts resources play equally important part. Given the ground realities, improved water management techniques and climatic variations the concept of dividing is over taken by the sharing of resources approach. Population pressure and environmental, injustices along with political deprivations is creating haves and have nots. All of this is further compounded by two facts; first, the region is heavily dependent on transboundary waters, even the aquafer resources trespasses disputes and state boundaries, second, the most powerful country of the region is one of the most water scarce country in the world, where water consumption per capita is highest in the region. How this combination of political power, water scarcity and regional conflicts has been addressed through water diplomacy is an interesting aspect of the Middle East politics.