The Southeast Anatolian Project and Middle East Water: Implications for NATO
Abstract
Water shortages are acute in the Middle East due to limited supplies and growing populations, which drive a concomitant demand for water for personal, agricultural, and industrial purposes. One Middle East country, Turkey, a NATO member, has addressed these problems by building the Southeast Anatolian Project (GAP) on the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Downstream neighbors, Syria and Iraq, may be adversely affected by this project, especially during long dry seasons. This could eventually result in a conflict over water between these countries. If Turkey is attacked, NATO must respond in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. Therefore it is in NATO's best interest to prevent a regional conflict over water in Southeast Turkey. NATO can assist in conflict prevention by lending technical assistance and encouraging diplomatic and military contacts to improve water use and conservation, enhance confidence building and understanding, and to assist in a regional solution to water use. Although technical assistance is the preferred course of action, it is prudent that NATO continue its strong exercise program with Turkey to improve warfighting capabilities and to deter conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 12, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA345004
Entities
People
- Merdith W. Temple
Organizations
- United States Army War College