Tigris-Euphrates Basin: Lessons learned and creative outcomes from the Transboundary Freshwater Dispute Database
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Article Type(s): Analysis
Contributor Perspective(s): Academic
Article last edited 13 Nov 2012 by Mpritchard
Article originally added by Mpritchard
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This article is linked to Case Study of Transboundary Dispute Resolution: the Tigris-Euphrates Basin
The points below are summarized or excerpted from the Oregon State University Transboundary Freshwater Dispute Database (TFDD). Matthew Pritchard provided this and other summarized analysis or insights from the TFFD on behalf and with permission of the original authors. Available on-line at: http://www.transboundarywaters.orst.edu/
Lessons Learned
- When one riparian holds the most geographic and military power, equitable agreements are difficult to reach.
With the large majority of water originating in Turkey and Turkey having the most advanced military power, it has less incentive to work cooperatively with Syria and Iraq and to approach negotiations with a "basket of benefits" outlook.
- When mostly bilateral talks are used to attempt to resolve issues, the most powerful country typically maintains their power.
In bilateral talks, Turkey has succeeded in maintaining its power in the water dispute. Syria lost one of its "playing cards" in overall negotiations when it signed the Adana Agreement.
- Unilateral development of water resources leads to increasing tension over water.
Developments in the basin have been made unilaterally without the cooperation of other riparian countries. This has increased resentment of downstream riparian’s that had no say in developments that occurred upstream.
Creative Outcomes Resulting from Resolution Process
Although no final resolution has been reached, the protocol for cooperation between Syria and Turkey is a step away from unilateral development. In addition, the signing of the Adana Agreement banning PKK rebels from Syria helped break the deadlock between countries.
