Water Scarcity as a Catalyst for Instability in the Jordan River Basin
Abstract
Freshwater is becoming a scarce natural resource in the Middle East. While the Middle East has never been a water-rich region, decreasing water tables, a burgeoning population, and increasing freshwater pollution will combine in the near-future to increase instability. Additionally, the effects of global warming are predicted to decrease precipitation in the Middle East while increasing surface evaporation and saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers. There already exists great tension along the Jordan River Basin between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Several small conflicts and, arguably, the 1967 Six-Day War were fought over water. Without water, nations and humanity cannot exist. Already, Israel and its neighbors live on less water than is recommended for health by the United Nations and the World Health Organization. The United States sees water scarcity as a growing problem, and numerous publications, including the National Security Strategy, direct leaders and planners to be alert to non-traditional causes of conflict escalation .
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA601107
Entities
People
- Christopher M. Coble
Organizations
- Marine Corps University