Original scientific paper

Water and the Arab-Israel Conflict

Marija Marić-Bajić ; Ministry of Defense, Republic of Croatia

Abstract

The problem of water scarcity is a growing worldwide phenomenon. Renewable water resources per capita have declined dramatically and in near future will reach dangerously low levels. Middle East is facing severe water shortages. Considered to be an elixir of life, water has long been a source of conflict in the Middle East. The water needs of the Middle East are growing to such an extent that there will soon not be enough water to satisfy basic human needs. By the year 2025 the average water resources in the Middle East are expected to be around 700 cubic meters per person per year, i.e. half of what they are today. Scarce natural resources and insufficient supplies are aggravated by inequitable distribution of common water resources between Israeli and Arab population in the region.
Long standing political disputes and consequent regional wars between Israel and Arab neighbours complicate regional cooperation on water. Given growing water shortages throughout the region and the lack of basic agreement on an equitable distribution, it is conceivable that in the future the struggles over water may become armed.

Keywords

Arab-Israel conflict; water; water sources; water shortage; desalination

Hrčak ID:

291129

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/291129

Publication date:

30.9.2006.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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