The Problem of the non-navigational uses of transboundary rivers in the Middle East

Abstract

ABSTRACT The problems of water, mainly scarcity and quality within the context of this thesis, have reached regional and even global dimensions. Since societies are bound and affected by water and water-related issues, water by itself is a complex phenomenon. Furthermore, water tends to relate to other issues like national security, needs for development and ideology etc. Common water resources used by several countries produce an upstream-downstream dichotomy which results in a water competition between the riparian states. Being an arid, semi -arid land, the Middle East can be considered as one of the best areas to analyze the water conflict. The region has five major river systems. These are namely; the Jordan river, the Nile river, the Litani river and the Tigris- Euphrates rivers systems. Majority of these river systems transbound and divide many countries. Apart from the Tigris- Euphrates rivers system, riparian states of all other systems are faced with shortage and pollution. The main elements of the conflict are the scarcity and quality. Yet there are others factors which have effected the water conflict like the needs for development, the Arab- Israeli conflict, oil and regional political and economical strife. Within the given facts above, this thesis determines the characteristics of the water conflict and evaluates these within a relevant framework thus showing the present magnitude of the issue. Secondly, the thesis analyzes the water conflict not only examining the transboundary river systems but also other water resources that support these rivers. Finally, the thesis identifies the legal instruments and principles for the settlement of the conflict. Yet there is no satisfactory legal instruments for a cooperative act in water conflict. So the water conflict in the Middle East centers around the notion of power relations and its determinants. In order to understand this, the thesis examines these aspects of power. These are; interests and issues, riparian position and relative powers like military. As a conclusion, there is a lack of coordination and cooperation for the solution of the problems deteriorates relations of all aspects between the riparian states. In the region, there are other political problems which should be solved first in order to prepare grounds for a peaceful solution for the water conflict. According to experts, by the year 2000, majority of the riparian states in the Middle East will face with shortages of water up to fifty percent.