Employing Turkish Water Security Policies and their Repercussions on the Arab Region: Iraq and Syria as an Example

Riyam Ahmed Jassem

doi:10.35516/hum.v52i3.6847

Authors

Riyam Ahmed Jassem College of Mass Communication, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2871-4097

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/hum.v52i3.6847

Keywords:

Water security, Turkish water policy, Turkish water projects, Negotiations on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined Turkey's water policy on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, its effects on Iraq and Syria, and how it impacts their relationships. It also explored the possibility of using negotiations to establish water-sharing agreements.

Methodology: To achieve its objectives, the study employed a combined approach. It analyzed Turkey’s water policy, its impact on the parties sharing the two rivers with it, and relevant international water laws for dispute resolution.

Results: The study found that water security is closely linked to food security within countries. Turkey’s water policy focused on building water projects. It also showed that Turkey views the two rivers as national resources, not subject to international water law, despite their importance to downstream countries like Syria and Iraq, who rely heavily on these rivers for water due to limited rainfall. Therefore, Turkey’s water policy is a major source of tension in the region.

Conclusion: Turkey's control of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers through water projects has strained relations between the countries involved and has created tension with Iraq and Syria. These downstream countries rely entirely on these rivers, leading them to suffer as water flow has decreased due to Turkey's upstream position and its leverage. Turkey's control of the rivers is seen as exploitation and a tactic to gain regional influence.

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