Water scarcity as a window of opportunity for a peacful settlement in the Middle East. (c2011)

Abstract

Water shortage and the deterioration of water quality in the Middle Eastern region are alarming. The question of water shortage is becoming a salient issue and a prominent potential source of conflict. This thesis examines the various researches from various fields of study that have simulated forthcoming Middle Eastern water war, amid dramatic increase in water demands beyond national capacities. It examines the existing state of war between Lebanon and Israel and illustrates that unless a water cooperation arrangement is soon reached alternatives may yield grave consequences. This necessitates technical as well as ideological reorientations in national ideological discourses that shift attitudes and policies from a national to a regional development-based paradigm. The thesis demonstrates various models and possibilities for cooperation over water managements between Israel and Lebanon that can divert possible conflict and renewed war. An action plan with a water management road map is proposed to be implemented as to place the use of water resources efficiently and productively. The model can serve for multilateral cooperation to resolve the problem of water shortage in the Middle East.