UNCHARTED WATERS OF THE MIDDLE EAST: RE-VISITING THE EUPHRATES-TIGRIS CONFLICT IN TROUBLED TIMES.
Yavuz, Ercan.
2015
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Abstract: This study
was set to explore the link between hydro-politics and hydro-developments in the
Euphrates-Tigris basin. Turkey, Syria and Iraq have exploited the Euphrates and Tigris
Rivers through unilateral, large-scale ambitious projects over the past half-century.
Although these extensive damming and irrigation activities have caused drastic changes
in the hydrological characteristics ... read moreof the rivers, our argument here is that the main
reason the dispute deteriorated, was due to the national security perceptions of
riparian countries, which have been driven by historical mistrust, ideological rivalry
and ethno-religious conflicts. Water has been another dynamic catalyst to already
complex interstate security relations. At this point, a hydro-hegemony framework appears
to be a simple, but comprehensive analytical tool for examining the water-power-conflict
nexus. Issue-linkage strategies have been an effective source of bargaining power to
narrow the power gap among riparians. Water conflict in the Euphrates-Tigris basin will
become more difficult to manage since inherited problems from the past are coupled with
complex demographic, climatic, and political challenges. Lack of reliable data,
efficient irrigation and agricultural practices, and effective demand management
policies further complicated the situation. Riparian countries can only cope with the
difficulties of the future through collaborative
action.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2015.
Submitted to the Dept. of Civil Engineering.
Advisor: Shafiqul Islam.
Committee: William Moomaw.
Keywords: Water resources management, Civil engineering, and Political science.read less - ID:
- fn1079661
- Component ID:
- tufts:21570
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
