Water Scarcity in the Middle East: Balancing Conflict, Development, and Survival in Turkey, Syria and Iraq

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of water as a source of conflict in the Middle East and as an element of peacebuilding and development. It studies the internal and external factors that create and increase water scarcity – and thus the prospects for conflict – between Turkey, Syria and Iraq. The causes and impacts of water scarcity are examined and possible solutions are presented for reducing scarcity and achieving development and peace in these neighbouring countries.