Water in the Middle East

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that the availability of potable water is a growing political, economic and humanitarian crisis facing many nations of the Middle East. The writer notes that the scarcity of water has become a political bargaining chip and source of conflict among many Middle East nations for years, and numerous threats could inflame this contentious issue. For example, the population of the Middle East is growing at a significant rate, which means less water is available per person, and some countries have not invested enough in water infrastructure. The writer maintains that for the region to have enough water to meet growing demand, it will have to focus on infrastructure development, equitable sharing, and new technologies, such as desalination. The writer concludes that while enormous challenges remain, nations that have launched bold water initiatives, such as the UAE with its aggressive deployment of desalination technology, have shown that successful outcomes can be achieved.

Outline:
Population, Access and Demand
Water Sharing Could Spark Conflict
Desalination Holds Hope
Conclusion

From the Paper:

" Desalination may play a critical role in helping the Middle East contend with its growing water shortages. While fresh water may be in low supply in the Middle East, there is a great deal of oceanic salt water. Desalination uses a thorough filtration process called reverse osmosis to remove the salt from brackish water and turn it into potable water. Certain Middle East countries have been particularly aggressive about investing in desalination. As the chart below demonstrates, 70 percent of the water supply for the United Arab Emirates now comes from desalination. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fahey, C. (2001). Water resources in the Middle East. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2007 from http://kanat.jsc.vsc.edu/student/fahey/water.html#topkaya1998.
• Isseroff, A. (No date). Water and politics. The Middle East Internet News Network. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2007 from http://www.mideastnews.com/watpol.htm.
• UNICEF (2006). Progress for children. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2007 from http://www.unicef.org/progressforchildren/2006n5/index_35556.htm.
• Water at Middle East Electricity (2005). Retrieved Nov. 1, 2007 at http://www.middleeastelectricity.com/water/water.html_desal stats.
• World Bank (1999). Sectoral water allocation. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2007 from http://lnweb18.worldbank.org/mna/mena.nsf/Sectors/MNSRE/B1A5DD0837A14 21C85256C0D0056EB2E?OpenDocument.

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