Water Conflict Between Syria and Turkey

Abstract

Water has come to the forefront as issue in relationships between the nations and countries of the Middle East recently. It also dominates a significant place on the plan of several international organizations. The diverse and conflicting nature of ethno-religious groups in the Middle East, which include Turks, Kurds and Arabs makes the controlling of the insufficient water resources a risky venture in diplomacy, and adds to the difficulty of reaching cooperation[1].

Water is important and necessary for human security and one of the significant element of sustainable socio-economic development.[2]

Water is a valuable resource which is progressively become scarcer. Within 50 years more than half of the world population will be living with lack of water because of a universal water crisis, according to a statement issued by the U.N Environment Program. In additional, it is extremely unlikely that there is going to be enough water for everyone except the necessary steps are taken at regional and international level. World watch Institute claimed that water will be the main reason of new conflicts. Therefore, there is a natural convergence as these states like to control and hold the power and supreme authority on available and obtainable natural water resources.[3]

The issue began when in 1970s Syria and Turkey started consuming and utilizing the waters of the Euphrates by large amount and scale irrigation and hydroelectric power generation projects. These extra-large projects definitely damaged the conventional and customary water supply. This point means a significant issue between these two countries, as it can be seen that the obstructions are noticed as threats not as means to store water.[4] It can be seen that these countries are afraid of the shortage of water in their countries, specially Syria because the main resource of water comes from Turkey and all these obstacles will reduce the water flow from Turkey towards Syria. It is obvious that the shortage will lead to conflicts between these two countries and might lead to war, as a conflict is already existed among them.

[1]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/35248998_The_water_dispute_between_Turkey_Syria_and_Iraq [accessed Oct 15 2017].

[2] http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkey_s-policy-on-water-issues.en.mfa

[3] Samreen Aamir Bari, The water crises in Turkey, Syria and Iraq, JULY 17, 2016

[4] https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/07/17/the-water-crises-in-turkey-syria-and-iraq/