The Fresh Water Deficit as a Factor of Security of the Middle East Countries on the Example of the Tigris and Euphrates River Basins

Over the past few decades, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers are experiencing a sharp reduction in water flows, primarily due to the Turkish GAP development project, as well as because of climate change. Moreover, the situation is further complicated by the lack of effective water management and legislative framework at the local and international levels. However, water crisis in this subregion is not just the issue of environment, human development and sustainable growth, but also a major setback to the current unstable situation within the region. This study aims to analyze the interdependency between water scarcity and regional security. Furthermore, it focuses on the positions of the key countries and examines their water management strategies. In addition, possible scenarios for the development of water crisis are determined and the recommendations to address and resolve the aforementioned issues are proposed.