Begin reading IntroductionCenter for Security Policy and Conflict Research Zurich/ Swiss Peace Foundation Berne. Zurich/Berne, August 1995. (ISBN 3-905641-36-4; Internet version http://www.fsk.ethz.ch/encop/13/en13.htm)
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Swiss Peace Foundation | |
| Prof. Kurt R. Spillmann, Director | Guenther Baechler, Executive Director | |
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Water resources in the Middle East are rare by nature, and scarcity is increasing year by year due to population growth, over-exploitation, and pollution of existing resources. Moreover, most water bodies are transboundary, and they often coincide with disputed territories. Hydrological matters therefore undeniably represent an important dimension to the Arab-Israeli conflict. A solution to the water disputes is certainly not a sufficient condition for a lasting peace in the region, but it is nevertheless an indispensable one.
The study analyzes the hydrological and environmental situation in the Jordan River Basin region and examines the role water has been playing in the historical conflict between Arabs and Israelis. Special emphasis is given to the current Middle East peace process which started in Madrid in October 1991. Agreements achieved so far are analyzed and technical as well as political options are discussed. In the epilogue, the case study is placed within the wider discussion on 'environmentally caused conflicts'.
Keywords: Middle East; Water; Water Conflicts; Environment; Environmental Conflicts; Jordan Basin; Water Management; Middle East Peace Negotiations; Israel, Jordan; Palestine; Syria; Lebanon.
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