1st Edition

Water Resources and Conflict in the Middle East

By Nurit Kliot Copyright 1994

    The Middle East is a region of international concern and political unrest. This book forms a complete reference to both the hydrological as well as the social, economic, political and legal issues in the region and shows how water shortages threaten the renewal of military conflicts and disruption in the area. With resources over-extended due to natural and human causes, the book analyses the river basins of the Euphrates, Tigris, Nile and Jordan and provides detailed study of the hydrology, hydrography and geography of these river basins; it also analyses the needs of the economies and societies of the countries bordering these basins. Conclusions on likely areas of conflict are set within the legal framework of the Helsinki and International Law Commission Rules.

    Introduction: Principles and Reality in Water Allocation of International Rivers; 1: The Geopolitics of the Monopolized Division of the Nile Waters; 2: The Geopolitics of Inequality: The Tigris-Euphrates Drainage Basin; 3: The Jordan–Yarmuk Waters – A Conflict Over Scarce Water Resources; 4: The Helsinki and ILC Rules: Principles and Practice for Water Division in the Nile, the Tigris-Euphrates and the Jordan–Yarmuk – Concluding Remarks

    Biography

    Nurit Kliot

    `This is a book on water politics that the Middle East has been waiting for. Tightly written, superbly researched and admirably balanced, it is bound to become an indispensable source book for academics, journalists and others who have wondered along with Jordan's King Hussein whether water, not oil, will cause the next regional war.' - MEI

    ` ... a comprehensive and useful reference for all those studying hydrology in the Middle East and a "must" for those interested in international law principles as applied to the management of international water resources.' - The Ecologist