The Thirst for Power: Overcoming the Politics of Water in the Middle East


Publisher: Center for Strategic and International Studies

Author(s): Natasha Hall, Robin Savage, Hassan Janabi, Neda Zawahri, and Ciarán Ó Cuinn

Date: 2025

Topics: Conflict Causes, Governance, Renewable Resources

Countries: Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Syrian Arab Republic, Yemen

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The Middle East has battled water insecurity for centuries, but today, the region is on a razor’s edge. Climate change and overuse have threatened water supplies like never before. In a region beset with wars, fragility, and political tensions, it is harder than ever to develop agreements and reforms that would alleviate water scarcity. The trends are clear: By 2050, every single country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will live under extremely high water stress.