Water and peace for the people [book]

Water and peace for the people : possible solutions to water disputes in the Middle East
Jon Martin Trondalen
Water and Conflict Resolution Series – UNESCO-IHP (New series)
Book, 246 pages, 16 maps, 7 tables, 23 figs, colour photographs, annexes, biblio., index
2008, ISBN 978-92-3-104086-3
Price: € 38.00
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This book proposes practical and objective solutions to the entrenched water conflicts in the Middle East. The author reveals and clarifies the complexity of the water conflicts, drawing on years of experience facilitating and chairing water negotiations in the region.

The bottom line is: Unless the countries involved co-operate, the consequences will be devastating. The lack of plentiful and clean water for the people will not only result in severe human suffering, but could also have grave geopolitical consequences.

The book covers four critical areas:
- the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, where new documentation reveals alarming trends,
- the politically sensitive Golan Heights, with its water disputed by Israel and Syria,
- the Hasbani water dispute between Lebanon and Israel,
- the longstanding water resource dispute between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Iraq: Emergency Water Supply Project

The World Bank approved a US$ 109.5 million IDA credit for the Emergency Water Supply Project on 10 June 2008.

The project aims to support the Government of Iraq’s efforts to improve water supply and sanitation services in selected governorates through upgrading and reconstructing/replacing existing facilities. Other objectives of the project are to start laying the foundation for a sustainable policy framework for the sector, and continue the programs of support services and training. The project will also create vitally needed short-term employment, help build Iraq’s capacity to manage medium to large-scale reconstruction and mitigate health hazards posed by contaminated water as a result of deteriorated pipes and networks.

Source: World Bank, 10 Jun 2008