Abstract
As a downstream region, Iraq was ranked among the richest Middle Eastern countries with regards to water resources. The world witnessed the emergence of a magnificent ancient civilization that largely relied on agriculture with extraordinary irrigation systems. However, during the last decade, Iraq began to suffer dramatically from inadequate water shares, desertification, and several other environmental issues due to the absence of proper resource management and, not least, various political conflicts. Numerous global water wars, particularly ones involving developing countries, reflect the importance of water shares and potential demand for water. Iraq, Turkey, and Syria, riparian watercourse countries, have engaged in a long-term water dispute that continues to yield no end through mutual agreement. This present work highlights the major events of this dispute, evaluates the causes and current water challenges, and provides a comprehensive solution through the establishment of the Iraqi Water Security Council.
Highlights
By 2025, 1.8 billion people could suffer from water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world population could suffer water insecurity [1]. 60% of international water basins have no formal agreement to ensure equitable shares [2].Iraq currently faces a significant threat of water shortages due to internal and external challenges that include poor water resource management, internal political conflicts, and unstable relationships with neighboring countries, namely Turkey, Iran and Syria
This paper evaluates Iraq-Turkey water resource disputes and recommends a roadmap for fresh negotiations
This paper proposes the establishment of a national council, under the name Iraqi Water Security Council (IWSC)
Summary
By 2025, 1.8 billion people could suffer from water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world population could suffer water insecurity [1]. 60% of international water basins have no formal agreement to ensure equitable shares [2]. Iraq currently faces a significant threat of water shortages due to internal and external challenges that include poor water resource management, internal political conflicts, and unstable relationships with neighboring countries, namely Turkey, Iran and Syria. A water shortage could severely damage the Iraqi economy through various national sectors ranging from agriculture to public health. By the 1960s, demand for water resources within Iraq, Syria and Turkey had dramatically increased, since their populations had doubled. These conditions warned of significant water resource shortages and marked the beginning of the arbitration process.
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