The Water Conflict in the Euphrat River and the Tigris River

Abstract

As the essential water resources of Middle East the rivers, namely Euphrat and Tigris, meaning a reason for peace and conflict in the same time for the riparian countries: Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. This study examines whether the lack of water resource is also a source of problems among the countries or is the tangible fact which is derived upon the other political reasons. The importance of water and the motives of “change” in the perception of water over time are also questioned. The absence of the formal water convention signed by the countries does not mean that there is no standard exist on how to regulate the water regime. Practically, the suggestions of the Internationa l Law Commission (ILC) are taken into consideration. In the study, also the importance of conflicts addressed which occur independently of the water issues.