Case study - The Middle East water conflict

Question 1

Conflict 1 - Israel, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine

Answer 1

1. Western part of region, Israelis, Syrians, Jordanians, Lebanese + Palestinians in dispute over shrinking waters supplies
2. Water in region comes primarily from 2 sources = River Jordan and three important aquifers
3. Division of these water resources between neighboring states is ongoing challenge

Question 2

Conflict 2 - Turkey, Syria and Iraq

Answer 2

1. In Eastern part of region, Turkey plans to build dams to store + use water in headwaters of Tigris and Eupharates Rivers
2. This is strongly opposed by Syria + Iraq, where reduced water supplies threaten to hold back eco development and food production