An Australian institute warns: Iraq is deteriorating hydrologically

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[size=52]An Australian institute warns: Iraq is deteriorating hydrologically[/size]

[size=45]The Australian Institute for Strategic Policy warned of the increasing deterioration of the water situation in Iraq at a time when the existing tensions over water between the countries of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers are weakening the possibility of reaching a consensus between them on the equitable sharing of water, but at the same time they are pushing towards making diplomatic efforts more urgent than For unity and work together.[/size]
[size=45]The Australian report recalled a demonstration that took place on July 18 in Nisour Square, where Iraqis gathered to protest near the Turkish embassy, ​​reflecting a display of collective frustration in Iraq, an important moment in the ongoing water crisis in Iraq, and also highlighting the rising tensions in the Middle East over... Shared water resources, the repercussions of climate change and mismanagement.[/size]
[size=45]According to the report, Iraqis are dissatisfied with the water crisis, adding that in light of the diminishing opportunities for obtaining drinking water and the significant decline in river levels, citizens are taking to the streets to demand accountability from the government, which they view as having not improved the handling of the country's most important resources.[/size]
[size=45]The report explained that water scarcity in Iraq is linked to its geography at a complex intersection of water resources, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which originate from neighboring Turkey and Iran, constitute Iraq’s vital lifeline, but the continuous demand for water at the source has prompted these two countries to build dams and diversions that limit Flows downstream, destroying Iraq's water supply.[/size]
[size=45]The report drew attention to the delicate balance required between the countries sharing water and the necessary need for cooperation in managing it, recalling, in this context, the controversial dams built by Turkey and Iran on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers because they caused a significant change in water flows downstream in Iraq.[/size]
[size=45]After the report considered that tensions made it difficult to reach consensus on equitable water-sharing agreements, it said that this situation also made diplomatic efforts to enhance cooperation more urgent.[/size]
[size=45]The report continued; Water is a pivotal element in the development of any country, but in light of the large population growth that Iraq is witnessing and the increasing demand for food, water is the most affected, pointing out that the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Syria and Iraq supply the vast majority of people with water, and while the river provides... The Euphrates is about 85% of Syria's renewable water. The two rivers together constitute nearly 100% of Iraq's supplies, while ownership of the river basins is divided between Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.[/size]
[size=45]He pointed out that the Tigris River originates from Lake Hazar in Anatolia and flows out of Turkey through Syria and Iraq before it meets the Euphrates at the Shatt al-Arab Canal in southern Iraq.[/size]
[size=45]He pointed out that the conflict over water in the Tigris and Euphrates basin has been ongoing since the 1960s, as Turkey, Syria, and Iraq competed to build vast water supply plans.[/size]
[size=45]The report added that Turkey's control over 88.7% of the water potential of the Euphrates Basin constitutes the main pressure on water relations.[/size]
[size=45]In addition, the salinity of the Euphrates River on the Syrian-Iraqi border is increasing beyond sustainable levels, which hinders irrigation activity. Despite this, the three countries have begun implementing broad development plans to exploit more of this water in order to try to achieve food security for their growing population. quickly.[/size]
[size=45]The report pointed out that water was repeatedly used as a weapon during the wars in Iraq and Syria, noting, for example, that in May 2015, ISIS took control of the Ramadi Dam and deliberately reduced the flow of water from the Euphrates River, diverting it to Lake Habbaniyah, which caused the depletion of water supplies in the city. Several governorates, causing harm to civil societies. He added that some other parties during the war in Syria threatened to use access to water as a weapon to punish or influence the population, which exacerbated the already severe water crisis.[/size]
[size=45]The report considered that long-term tensions, environmental challenges, and the impact of war have all combined to push the water crisis to a critical level, adding that addressing this problem not only requires sustainable water management practices in every country on the rivers, but it will also require a better solution to conflicts, infrastructure, and humanitarian aid across the region to protect access to clean water.[/size]
[size=45]The report warned that as climate change continues, the water situation in Iraq will deteriorate and put greater pressure on the country's capacity, adding that climate change portends bad news in the Middle East.[/size]
[size=45]He added that governance challenges have affected Iraq's ability to manage water resources effectively, as decades of conflict have severely hampered the maintenance and development of basic infrastructure, while mismanagement, corruption, and the lack of coherent policies have exacerbated the water crisis, escalated the dissatisfaction of Iraq's citizens, and highlighted the need. To strong and accountable governance.[/size]
[size=45]Despite this, the report said: There are steps taken in the right direction, as Iraq recently joined the “Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes,” becoming the first country in the Middle East to do so. The report described this decision as “historic,” as it makes Iraq the 49th party to the agreement and reflects its commitment to cross-border cooperation in the field of water. Iraq also chose to participate in the United Nations Water Conference.[/size]
[size=45]In addition, the report said that Iraq sought better cooperation with Turkey, and in March they signed an agreement to double water releases from dams on the Tigris River for a period of one month, and Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed their plans. To establish a joint water resources research center in Baghdad to collaboratively address water challenges and develop sustainable water management strategies.[/size]
[size=45]The report concluded by saying that because the region includes 12 of the most water-scarce countries on the planet, the importance of effective and cooperative water management cannot be underestimated, adding that societies in the Middle East depend on water that crosses international borders, and therefore cooperation is required. To ensure equitable access and responsible use.[/size]
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