Management of Water in the Middle East

Introduction

Water is an extremely important resource. People depend on it as a basic need. It is used for quenching thirst, for cooking, for bathing, for cleaning, just to mention a few basic uses. Water is also used on a large scale in sectors like manufacturing and agriculture. It is, therefore, one of the most significant requirements in the sustenance of life. This implies that the water problems, particularly problems in water supply, would cause a negative impact on the population. Water supply management is, therefore, an extremely important aspect in solving the water crisis in the Middle East. (Fisher & Askari, 2001) This essay suggests ways in which water supply management can be improved in order to curb the region's water supply issues. For example, it looks at sustainable solutions like using alternative water sources, and cultivating crops that require small amounts of water for sustenance, as viable solutions for curbing water supply problems in the region.

Thesis Statement

Water supply has always been one of the biggest challenges in the Arab world due to its scarcity. This is because of the growing population in the Arab world yet the resources at their disposal diminish by day. The countries in this region have sought many solutions in the effort to curb this problem. This essay seeks to discuss some of these solutions and the major problems that have caused the scarcity of the 'Blue Gold' as it is called in the Middle East. The essay will also look at how Hydropolitics has affected the availability of water. (Allan, 2001) We will also look at the water wars and peace in the Middle East and how this has affected political stability. Basically, the essay will focus on the quality and the sustainability of water resources in the Arab world

Body

* Water resources in the Middle East

The water supply in the Middle East is extremely scarce, and the region's levels of renewable energy are low. The Middle East exploits its renewable water resources at approximately 75%, and it extracts fresh water at about 804m3 per year per capita. Any region comparable to the Middle East has a less advanced storage capacity as the region does. The rising population and the increase in income of the residents have contributed to the growing demand for the water supply. Farming, for instance, has very high demand for water supply as compared to other sectors. (Kliot, 1994)

The states that fall in the Gulf region are dominated by oil industries and, therefore, use a huge amount of water. The key regions that have water resources are Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey, which have access to the Euphrates and Tigris River Basins. Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine have access to the Jordan River Basin. On the other hand, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, have access to the Arabian Peninsula.

* Geopolitics of water in the Middle East

The Middle Eastern leadership does not seem to be concerned about the issues to do with poverty reduction and water supply. They seem to be more concerned about water wars and related conflicts that the media portrays eagerly. This implies that the main water issues in the middle East are related to conflicts among states; conflicts that are brought about by water scarcity in the associated environments. Water is, therefore, portrayed as a security problem that causes tension among communities, and not as a contributor to development that would bring the communities close together. The violent competition between the states in the Middle East over water supply is, therefore, not new a new contributing factor to political conflicts in the region. However, peace keepers have been trying to moderate the conflicts. (Selby, 2005)

The shortage in water supply presents an immediate danger to the stability of the states in the Middle East. It leads to increased competition for the water resources. The more powerful people in the community have easier access to the water resources and thus have an advantage over the poor people. This exploitation leads to violence and wars, which may be so bad that they may lead to interstate conflicts. Such a scenario shows how population increase and a change in the environment can worsen the living conditions of people who are already exposed to poverty and danger. (Kliot, 1994)

* Roots of water conflicts in the Middle East

The water supply problem in the Middle East is caused by several factors. Some of these factors include:

1. Scarcity of natural water resources like river basins

The natural water resources in the Middle East are very scarce, and they, therefore, hardly cater for the needs of the entire Middle Eastern population. This has led to water conflicts, because states are increasingly competing for the scarce resources to cater for their needs.

2. Increase of demand for water resources despite their scarcity

As the economy and population in the Middle East grows, there is increased demand for water supply. Increased water supply is needed for further development, for instance in farming while, on the other hand, the population has increased, and people need an increase in water supply for sustenance.

3. Poor management of the available water resources

The poor management of the available natural water resources has contributed largely to the water crisis in the Middle East. A lot of water is required for the sustenance of some crops, the powerful people exploit the water resources and neglect the poor, there is water pollution and governments are hardly adopting alternative water sources like treating contaminated water. (Zeitoun, 2009)

4. Using outdated irrigation methods

Using outdated methods of irrigation has contributed to the water problems in the Middle East because outdated irrigation methods are wasteful and water use is, therefore, not properly managed. Wasting water that is already scarce should be avoided through the adoption of up to date irrigation methods. (Isaac & Hosh, 1999)

5. Interstate competition for the water resources

The competition for water resources between states in the Middle East has caused tension in the region and thus contributed to the water crisis. The competition for the scarce resources is so stiff that there is violence involved. (Isaac & Hosh, 1999)

6. Cultivation of crops that need a lot of water for sustenance

These problems have caused the water crisis