Abstract

Although the Middle East already suffers from severe water scarcity, future scenarios that take into account the effects of climate change point to even more acute water shortages. Because rivers and underground aquifers are shared among a number of countries and entities, disputes can often arise over water sharing. Yet, cooperation may likewise result as countries need to coordinate their actions to more efficiently utilize a shared resource. The article analyzes the Israel-Palestinian, Israel-Jordan, Israel-Syrian, and Turkey-Syria-Iraq cases and briefly considers how conflict and cooperation have evolved. Because the availability of water in this region is key to both peace and development, special attention is given to how regional and international coordination may be encouraged through diplomacy, innovation, and investment.