Hydropolitics in the Middle East and U.S. Policy
Abstract
This paper discusses hydropolitics in the Middle East, the most critical example today of the worldwide problem of diminishing fresh water resources relative to increasing demands stemming from growing populations and development. The paper concentrates information essential to understanding regional hydropolitics, including information about past and current U.S. attempts to influence Middle Eastern hydropolitics. Technical solutions which apply to the supply-side and demand-side of regional and national water balances are discussed. Supply-side solutions are confounded by inter-state conflicts, but gross inefficiencies on the demand-side are solvable on a country-by-country basis. This paper recommends that the U.S. government limit its efforts to assisting demand-side solutions within individual friendly countries while striving for a positive outcome to the Peace Process. A successful Middle East Peace Process could culminate in effective agreements between all parties, positive momentum may be established toward regional cooperation. Cooperation in the Jordan River Basin could be a model for agreements in the basins of the Tigris-Euphrates and Nile Rivers. If the Peace Process ends in failure, cooperation may continue to be stymied, and eventually face the U.S. with military decisions as a result of a Middle East regional conflict. Effective U. S. civil military coordination is essential for U.S. effectiveness on this issue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA266861
Entities
People
- Elizabeth A. Green
Organizations
- Naval War College