Water and Armed Conflict in the Middle East — Fantasy or Reality?

Abstract

The chapter argues that despite greater pressure on available water resources, water wars are unlikely to take place in the future. Over 75% of all water usage is for irrigation purposes, so water conflicts in fact occur over low value irrigation water. Water conflicts short of war can still arise, with ‘water piracy’ being an interesting case, and it is Israel that provides good examples for it. The issue of water rights is a crucial one; there may be doubts about the fairness of the agreement over water between Israel and the Palestinians, so it is encouraging that further agreements are being negotiated.