The Euphrates-Tigris Basin: A Case Study in Surface Water Conflict Resolution

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 the Turkish 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.

Water Scarcity: Problems and Possible solutions

“…Turkey promised that it would not alter the Euphrates flow without informing Iraq, and, to adapt any future works to the needs of both states. In that treaty, Iraq was allowed to construct protection and observation posts in Turkey's territory to prevent downriver flooding (Fadel et al, 2002). First few hydrological projects began in Iraq in the 1950s where Samarra barrage and Dukan Derbendikhan dams were constructed in Iraq (Kibaroglu, 2008;Berardinucci, 2010).…”

Hydro Geopolitics of the Tigris and Euphrates

“…Turkey promised that it would not alter the Euphrates flow without informing Iraq, and, to adapt any future works to the needs of both states. In that treaty, Iraq was allowed to construct protection and observation posts in Turkey's territory to prevent downriver flooding [103].…”

Water Resources Management in the Lerma–Chapala Basin, Mexico: A Case Study

“…For example, a simpler version could be adapted for an Introduction to Natural Resources course that targets first‐year undergraduates. A simpler version could focus on water competition between upstream and downstream users, or could examine the effects of unsustainable land‐use upstream similar to Dovciak and Perry (2000) or El‐Fadel et al (2002). For higher‐level courses, we recommend using the full case as presented here, provided students are given ample time to truly explore all the angles of the case study.…”

“…This case study was prepared to further students’ understanding of water management in a real‐life context and to encourage critical thinking about potential management solutions. Other examples of water‐related case studies can be found in Dovciak and Perry (2000), El Fadel et al (2002), and Brierley et al (2002). The case study presented here focuses on a watershed in Mexico where many common hot‐button water issues are highlighted.…”