Latest news with #SoutheasternAnatoliaProject
Rudaw Net
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Iraq, Turkey discuss water crisis amid claims of unmet release commitments
Also in Iraq Iraq arrests seven ISIS suspects in separate operations Iraq arrests 23 suspected ISIS members over plot to target Arbaeen pilgrims: Judiciary Chlorine leak sickens hundreds amid Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq Kurdish MP slams Baghdad for hypocrisy toward Erbil A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani on Sunday met with Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad Anil Bora Inan to discuss bilateral relations and a critical water-sharing agreement, as Iraq grapples with its most severe water crisis in decades. A statement from Mashhadani's office said the meeting addressed 'the water dossier and the necessity of continuing to pump Iraq's share of water, in addition to the agreed-upon additional releases.' For his part, the Turkish ambassador reaffirmed his country's commitment to cooperation with Iraq, stating that his country 'is open to Iraq on all political and economic files, and gives its interests priority over others.' He also asserted that the release of water quotas is 'proceeding according to what was agreed upon.' In early July, Turkey agreed to increase water releases into the Tigris and Euphrates rivers by 420 cubic meters per second, following a meeting in Ankara between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Speaker Mashhadani. A statement from the Iraqi parliament at the time quoted Erdogan as 'responding positively' to Iraq's request, saying, 'Turkey shares what God has bestowed upon it with its brothers in Iraq and will not withhold it from them.' Iraq heavily depends on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers for its water supply - both of which originate in Turkey. However, major dam projects in Turkey, including the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), have significantly reduced the flow of water into Iraq, contributing to severe drought, desertification, and environmental degradation. Iraq is currently receiving less than 40 percent of its historical water share. Following Erdogan's commitment, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani ordered 'the monitoring of flows, especially those entering northern Iraq across the borders [from Turkey],' the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) then-reported. INA further cited the Iraqi Water Minister Aoun Diab as emphasizing the importance of ensuring 'the extent of the Turkish side's adherence to President Erdogan's directives - especially since they came from the highest level.' The Sunday meeting notably came only days after Thaer al-Jabouri, a member of the Iraqi parliament's agriculture, irrigation, and marshlands committee, described the water situation as 'extremely dangerous,' accusing Ankara of failing to uphold the agreement. Turkey "has not committed to releasing Iraq's water shares,' he told Rudaw, adding that "the increase in water lasted only a few days and then returned to the same previous situation." Similarly, Ahmed Dubardani, a member of the Nineveh Provincial Council's agriculture and water committee last week attributed a dramatic drop in water levels at the Mosul Dam - one of Iraq's largest reservoirs - to both a dry winter and reduced water releases from Turkey. Iraq's water crisis is driven by a combination of factors, including climate change, declining rainfall, poor resource management, and upstream damming by neighboring countries. Compounding the crisis is the lack of a comprehensive water-sharing agreement with Turkey and Iran. As a result, Iraq remains exposed to unilateral upstream decisions that directly impact its water security. The World Resources Institute lists Iraq among the 25 countries facing 'extreme water stress,' meaning it is using more than 80 percent of its available water resources - leaving it highly vulnerable in the event of short-term droughts. Public frustration is also mounting. Southern provinces, especially Basra, have witnessed widespread protests in recent months over acute water shortages and pollution, increasing pressure on officials to secure long-term solutions.
Al-Ahram Weekly
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Drought in the land of the Two Rivers - World - Al-Ahram Weekly
Iraq could lose 90 per cent of its water resources by 2035 if current trends persist alongside accelerating climate change, reports Nermeen Al-Mufti from Baghdad. No one in Iraq ever imagined that the land of the Two Rivers, where history was born on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, would one day face a water crisis. But reality today is harsher than any fiction: the two rivers of Iraq are drying up, water bodies are evaporating, and people are leaving their villages in search of a single drop. According to Iraq's Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources, the flow of the Euphrates has dropped by more than 60 per cent compared to its average before 2000. The Tigris, too, has lost about 50 per cent of its flow over the past two decades. United Nations reports warn that Iraq could lose 90 per cent of its water resources by 2035 if current regional water policies persist alongside accelerating climate change. Between 2020 and 2024, Iraq recorded four consecutive years of severe drought. The country is now ranked among the top five nations worldwide most vulnerable to climate change, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Last winter was the driest in 70 years. Rainfall was scarce, and summer temperatures exceeded 53°C in many cities in the south of the country. Torhan Mufti, an adviser to the Iraqi prime minister on water affairs, told Al-Ahram Weekly that 'this is not just bad weather. It's a climatic shift threatening the sustainability of life.' Evaporation has increased, while rainfall has become rare and unpredictable, meaning that water disappears before it can be stored or used. 'Iraq's water crisis is no longer just a supply issue. It's affecting daily life and may impact the economic, environmental, and even political security of Iraq and the region,' Mufti said. 'Climate change does not recognise borders between countries, so what affects us will also affect neighbouring states. Collective action is imperative to maintain overall regional stability.' Iraqi environmental activist Jassim Al-Asadi, who works on the issue of the southern marshes of Iraq, said that only three per cent of the planet's water is fresh and only 0.6 per cent is fit for human use. The Arab world suffers from acute water scarcity. Iraq, in particular, faces a dangerous decline in Tigris and Euphrates inflows, combined with high consumption and inefficient management. 'Water reserves have dropped alarmingly,' Al-Asadi said. 'And the southern marshes – the cradle of civilisation – are suffocating from drought.' No discussion of Iraq's water crisis would be complete without examining the roles of Turkey and Iran. Turkey continues to implement the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP Project), which includes the construction of more than 20 dams, most notably the Ilisu Dam that began partial operations in 2018 and drastically reduced inflows of water into Iraq from the Tigris River. Meanwhile, Iran has diverted the Sirwan River and dammed other tributaries, leading to the drying up of rivers in the Diyala and Maysan Provinces of Iraq. Despite official statements from both countries denying any intentional restriction of Iraq's water share, the absence of binding agreements leaves Iraq facing an uncertain future. In Basra, where the Tigris and Euphrates meet before flowing into the Gulf, seawater has encroached on the Shatt Al-Arab due to reduced river discharge, causing unprecedented salinity levels. In the summer of 2018, more than 100,000 people were poisoned due to contaminated drinking water. Resident Zeinab Othman from Abu Al-Khasib said that 'everything has turned salty – the water, the soil, even the air. We can't grow crops, we can't bathe, we can't drink. Is this justice?' Years have passed, but the situation has barely improved. The city is still searching for water that will not harm its residents. Data from the International Organisation for Migration shows that more than 40,000 people were internally displaced in Iraq between 2022 and 2024 due to water-related environmental reasons. Entire villages abandoned agriculture and livestock. Some former residents moved to major cities, while others left the country entirely. Agriculture, once employing over one-fifth of the Iraqi workforce, has declined catastrophically. Wheat and barley fields have shrunk by up to 75 per cent in some seasons, and Iraq's iconic palm trees now face serious threats. Not all of Iraq's water crisis is external. The country suffers from outdated and crumbling irrigation systems, which waste more than 60 per cent of water through open canals. Lack of maintenance and modernisation means that even the little water that is available is often lost before it reaches its destination. Proposed solutions such as drip irrigation and desalination plants remain at the experimental stage or lack sufficient funding, even as Iraq desperately needs a comprehensive national plan and real investment. Some efforts to address the crisis are underway. Civil society organisations are raising environmental awareness, especially among young people. Government calls for water law reforms, the expanded use of modern irrigation technology, and fair regional agreements are growing louder. Activist Mohamed Ali said that 'there is hope, but it needs political courage, a national plan, real funding, and transparency.' The late Iraqi poet Muzaffar Al-Nawab once wrote that 'when the river dries, life dries.' Today, that river is on the verge of becoming a question without an answer. Iraq's water crisis is no longer just an environmental story. It is the story of a nation that is redefining itself in the face of existential threats. It is a tale of a history that is evaporating and a future that is awaiting those who write it, with a drop of water, or a long, bitter drought. * A version of this article appears in print in the 17 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Shafaq News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Drop by drop: Can Iraq avert a thirsty future?
Shafaq News/ Iraq is facing its most severe water crisis in eighty years, as strategic reserves fall to their lowest levels since the 1940s. 'The water situation in Iraq is both alarming and critical,' warned Ministry of Water Resources spokesperson Khaled al-Shamal, urging an 'extraordinary national effort' to prevent a deeper catastrophe. In response, the government has launched an urgent three-pronged strategy: advancing regional water diplomacy, tightening domestic consumption, and cracking down on illegal usage—steps officials view as essential to safeguarding the country's vanishing lifeline. Seeking a Shared Flow With more than 70% of its water flowing in from Turkiye, Iran, and Syria, Iraq faces intensifying challenges in securing upstream cooperation as its water crisis deepens. The Euphrates has already lost over 60% of its flow in the past two decades, while the shrinking Tigris now threatens agriculture, electricity generation, and access to drinking water. Together, the two rivers provide more than 98% of Iraq's surface water. The Iraqi government has elevated water management to a top-tier strategic priority in an attempt to contain the situation. 'The government has elevated the water file to a sovereign matter under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani,' explained al-Shamal to Shafaq News. Iraq has also signed a framework agreement with Turkiye, Iran, and Syria. However, implementation remains inconsistent. Al-Shamal noted that water issues topped the agenda in Baghdad's latest round of discussions with all three countries, as Iraq pushes for guarantees on water flow and mechanisms for lasting cooperation. Among Iraq's neighbors, Turkiye plays an especially pivotal role. Through its Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), it has built 22 dams and 19 hydroelectric plants, giving it control over 90% of the Euphrates and nearly half of the Tigris. These large-scale developments have dramatically reduced water flows downstream, worsening droughts and drying out farmland in Iraq's southern provinces. 'Negotiations require patience, strategy, and the right tools,' al-Shamal remarked, expressing cautious optimism about the role of diplomacy. Iraq is advocating for the creation of joint technical committees with its neighbors to monitor river flows, coordinate dam operations, and improve data-sharing frameworks. Farming Smarter, Not Harder Iraq's second nationwide water reform initiative has turned its attention to agriculture, which consumes more than 80% of the country's freshwater. Yet, a significant portion of this water is lost before it even reaches crops, due to outdated systems. Traditional methods like surface irrigation and unlined canals result in up to 60% of water being wasted through evaporation and seepage. To change this, the Ministry of Water Resources is expanding the use of modern irrigation technologies. Early trials with drip and sprinkler systems have delivered encouraging results, cutting water consumption by as much as half while increasing crop yields by 20 to 40 percent. Similar approaches in Jordan and Morocco have not only boosted efficiency but also helped slow the spread of soil salinization. This technological shift is being accompanied by changes in what Iraq grows. The government is revising its national crop map to reduce the cultivation of water-heavy crops like rice and maize, which each require more than 10,000 cubic meters of water per hectare. These are being replaced with more sustainable options, such as wheat, barley, and vegetables, which typically require less than half the water. To better manage this transition, the government is introducing identity-based farm registration. 'The new system links each plot to a digital database,' explained al-Shamal. 'This allows authorities to track seasonal irrigation, manage demand, and plan more effectively.' According to al-Shamal, the new agricultural strategy is built on three core principles: 'available reserves, reliable inflow forecasts, and global market dynamics.' He also described this summer's water allocation plan as a departure from past routines. 'The summer plan was structured rather than traditional,' he noted, laying out the order of priorities: drinking water came first, followed by domestic and seasonal use, then agriculture, and finally the Shatt al-Arab and the marshes. Despite limited resources, al-Shamal reassured that Iraq's drinking and household water needs remain fully secured. Moreover, a high-level meeting between the Ministries of Water Resources and Agriculture is expected to finalize the agricultural plan for the upcoming summer or winter planting season. The decisions made will determine how water is allocated in the months ahead, at a time when every drop matters more than ever. Sealing the Leaks The final pillar of Iraq's water reform strategy targets illegal water usage, pollution, and unauthorized encroachments—violations that the Ministry of Water Resources has described as catastrophic. Al-Shamal highlighted the persistent abuses by individuals, institutions, and industries that deprive others of their rightful share of water. 'These include excessive withdrawals, construction along riverbanks, and pollution from industrial or household waste,' he warned. 'The ministry treats these violations as crimes against national water security.' Since early 2023, authorities have filed more than 6,400 legal cases targeting these offenses, with over 2,000 cases already adjudicated. A nationwide enforcement campaign, backed by the judiciary and security forces, has dismantled illegal pumps, sealed unauthorized wells, and prosecuted polluters across several provinces. According to al-Shamal, the crackdown has already led to water savings of between 50 and 80 cubic meters per second—equating to over 4 million cubic meters daily, enough to meet the basic needs of more than 500,000 people every day. Experts Divided Iraq's worsening water crisis has sparked strong disagreement among experts, with some warning of an imminent disaster, while others offer a more measured outlook. Water specialist Tahseen al-Moussawi described the situation as 'catastrophic,' revealing that Iraq's strategic water reserves have dwindled to just 11 billion cubic meters—barely a third of what they were a decade ago. He further cautioned that the rising temperatures expected in the coming months would exacerbate evaporation losses. Al-Moussawi placed much of the blame on the government's failure to heed repeated international warnings and its weak negotiating position with upstream countries. He argued that Iraq has 'received its water policies from others' and failed to secure its fair share, resulting in a loss of control over its critical water resources, as reported by Shafaq News. However, Economist Karim al-Hilu pointed to the heavy rainfall and widespread flooding in March and April, which replenished key reservoirs and brought additional water flows from Iran and Saudi Arabia. According to preliminary reports from the Ministry of Water Resources, some dams in eastern and southern Iraq saw inflows increase by as much as 40% compared to the same period last year. Al-Hilu contended that Iraq's water stress is less a result of absolute scarcity and more a consequence of structural inefficiencies. He noted that while there are significant challenges, Iraq is not facing a full-blown water crisis at this time. He attributed the current strain largely to aging infrastructure, where up to 60% of water is lost due to leakage in the canal systems. However, he acknowledged the potential risks of continued mismanagement. 'A water crisis could harm agriculture, increase imports, drain foreign currency, and destabilize governments,' he said, 'but Iraq is not at that point—yet.'
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Turkey's weaponisation of water: A geopolitical tool in the Tigris-Euphrates basin
Capt. Amit Singh is an aviation professional with over 35 years of experience in commercial airlines, including pivotal roles in three startup airlines, where he developed systems for efficient, low-cost, and profitable operations. A leader in flight operations, safety, and pilot training, he channels his expertise into writing insightful articles on aviation, history, and strategic thinking. Capt. Singh is a sought-after speaker at international safety and training conferences, blending technical knowledge with a passion for storytelling and analysis. Additionally, he explores his creative side through painting, reflecting a well-rounded personality committed to growth and innovation. LESS ... MORE Water has emerged as a new front for power and leverage in a region already burdened by war, political instability, and climate extremes. This is more evident than in the Tigris-Euphrates river system, where Turkey's control over the headwaters has granted it unprecedented geopolitical influence over downstream nations, primarily Iraq and Syria. Through extensive dam projects, Turkey has effectively turned rivers into foreign policy instruments, with devastating consequences for regional water security, agriculture, and communities' survival. The power of geography The Tigris and Euphrates rivers originate in the mountains of eastern Turkey. Together, they account for over 90% of Iraq's freshwater and around 88% of Syria's. Yet Turkey, sitting upstream, now controls the tap. At the core of this strategic control is the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) — one of the world's most ambitious hydropower and irrigation projects. Launched in the 1970s, GAP includes 22 dams and 19 hydroelectric plants, most notably the Atatürk Dam on the Euphrates and the Ilısu Dam on the Tigris. While Turkey touts the project as essential for development in its southeastern provinces, the implications for its neighbours have been dire. Iraq: From cradle of civilisation to cradle of crisis Iraq, once known as Mesopotamia—the 'land between rivers'—is now facing an existential water crisis. According to Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources, water flow from Turkey has declined by more than 50% over the last four decades. With the Ilısu Dam operational since 2020, the Tigris's flow into Iraq is expected to reduce by up to 56% (Al Jazeera, 2021). The consequences are widespread: Agricultural collapse : With 70% of Iraq's water used for irrigation, the agricultural sector has suffered greatly. Entire rural communities have been forced to migrate due to a lack of water and crop failures. : With 70% of Iraq's water used for irrigation, the agricultural sector has suffered greatly. Entire rural communities have been forced to migrate due to a lack of water and crop failures. Environmental degradation : The Mesopotamian Marshes, once one of the world's largest wetland ecosystems, are drying up. This has caused displacement of the Ma'dan (Marsh Arabs) and loss of biodiversity. : The Mesopotamian Marshes, once one of the world's largest wetland ecosystems, are drying up. This has caused displacement of the Ma'dan (Marsh Arabs) and loss of biodiversity. Urban water shortages: Cities like Basra face salinity intrusion from the sea due to low freshwater flow — a toxic mix that caused mass illnesses and public protests in 2018 and 2022. Syria's silent struggle Syria, caught in a prolonged civil war, has had limited diplomatic leverage to counter Turkey's damming policies. Despite a 1987 agreement obligating Turkey to release 500 cubic meters/second to Syria, actual flows have often fallen short, especially during summer months. In the Kurdish-controlled northeast, Syria has accused Turkey of deliberately reducing water flows to weaken local governance and exert military pressure. The Tabqa and Tishreen dams, which rely on Euphrates inflow, have operated below capacity, leading to power outages and reduced irrigation across eastern Syria (Human Rights Watch, 2022). Turkey's strategic use of water While Turkey denies using water as a weapon, its pattern of behaviour suggests otherwise. Ankara's refusal to enter a legally binding multilateral agreement with Iraq and Syria allows it to manipulate water flow unilaterally, releasing water during negotiations or restricting it during political tension. For instance, in 2021, amid disputes over Kurdish militants, Iraq claimed that Turkey withheld Euphrates water to pressure Baghdad into expanding security cooperation. The timing of such cuts has raised questions about whether Turkey uses water as soft coercion. Turkey views the rivers not as 'international,' but as 'transboundary', — giving it full rights to develop and regulate them under its domestic policy. This contrasts sharply with Iraq's and Syria's calls for equitable and reasonable use under international water law. Climate change and compounding pressures Turkey's water policy would be alarming in any context, but it's hazardous in a warming world. Climate change is already making the region hotter and drier. Iraq is experiencing more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and the UN Environment Programme ranks it as one of the five countries most vulnerable to climate breakdown. Meanwhile, Turkey has invested in hydropower for domestic energy needs and as an export asset to Europe. This dual use — economic and strategic — turns water into both a commodity and a political tool. Attempts at resolution: Too little, too late? In March 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and agreed to temporarily increase the flow of water. While this gesture was welcomed, it was neither binding nor monitored, and downstream communities report no measurable improvements (AP News, 2025). Iraq has called for international mediation, possibly under the auspices of the UN or Arab League, to establish a trilateral water-sharing agreement. Yet Turkey remains firm in rejecting third-party arbitration. Toward a sustainable framework Without cooperative management, water scarcity in the Tigris-Euphrates basin could become a catalyst for broader conflict. The stakes are high — not just for ecology and economy, but for regional peace. Key steps must include: Binding legal frameworks based on international river basin principles. Joint river commissions involving Iraq, Syria, and Turkey for real-time monitoring. Investment in water infrastructure downstream to reduce waste. Third-party mediation, particularly from neutral parties like the UN or EU. Recognition of water as a shared right, not a weapon of leverage. Conclusion Turkey's control of the Tigris and Euphrates has transformed it into a hydrological superpower. But with great control comes greater responsibility. The region cannot afford to let its most vital resource become its next flashpoint. Water can either be a tool of cooperation or the source of future wars. The choice lies not just with Turkey, but with the willingness of the international community to act before the rivers run dry — and with them, the hope of peace. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
