Central Asia: Navigating Water Conflict in Central Asia: The Amu Darya River and the Qosha Tepa Canal Project

Aug 24, 2023 | Samir Gafarli, Modern Diplomacy
View Original

In the post-Soviet era, Central Asia experienced a pronounced upsurge in geopolitical tensions, significantly shifting the focus toward the pressing matter of the water conflict between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. At the crux of this contentious issue lies the Amu Darya River, a pivotal water resource shared by both nations, thereby engendering profound environmental and geopolitical ramifications. The origins of this protracted conflict can be traced back to the historical legacy of centralized water management during the Soviet period, which resulted in disproportionate repercussions for downstream countries.