The impact of water shortage on the Middle East peace process

Abstract

Many believe that a Water War is imminent in the Middle East due to the aridity and difficult political background. Others believe that water, being a shared resource, can serve as a motivator to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. This thesis studies the possibility of using water as a catalyst to peace. It will be argued that water cannot drive peace talks as long as other highly politicised issues exist to cloud the negotiations agenda. It is possible however, for water to help build trust and confidence between the parties through the shared institutions and infrastructure they are jointly responsible for. This will make it easier for the parties to give the needed concessions at final status talks in order for a lasting peace to be achieved.