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Water and Conflict Resolution Series WATER AND PEACE FOR THE PEOPLE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO WATER DISPUTES IN THE MIDDLE EAST Jon Martin Trondalen UNESCO Publishing United Nations International Educational, Scientific and Hydrological Cultural Organization Programme 7702_water_peace_int.indd02_water_peace_int.indd 1 223/07/083/07/08 117:19:147:19:14 To the people in the region who are longing for water and peace. 7702_water_peace_int.indd02_water_peace_int.indd 3 223/07/083/07/08 117:19:167:19:16 Published in 2008 by the United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organization 7, place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France. © UNESCO 2008 All rights reserved. ISBN 978-92-3-104086-3 The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The author is responsible for the choice and the presentation of the facts contained in this book and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization. Photo credits: Cover (from left to right): iStockphoto.com/Christine Balderas; iStockphoto.com/ Giovanni Rinaldi; iStockphoto.com/Khonji Back cover: Hans Petter Foss All other photos are taken by the author, except for the following for which permission has kindly been granted: - Photo 36: Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Iraq - Photos 20, 21, 22: Joseph Guttman - Photos 5, 12, 16: Lebanese photographer who prefers to remain anonymous - Photo 37: Hans Petter Foss Cover design: Maro Haas Typeset by UNESCO Publishing/La Moncet Printed by UNESCO Also available in Arabic and Hebrew. Printed in France 7702_water_peace_int.indd02_water_peace_int.indd 4 223/07/083/07/08 117:19:167:19:16 Acknowledgements This publication is about the people, the water and the land of the Middle East, and it is thanks to the guidance from and co-operation with friends and colleagues over the years that I have formed my perception of these matters. I would like to express my personal appreciation to all of them, especially to the political leaders and experts from the various countries who have the courage to share their thoughts regarding solutions to these intricate disputes (in alphabetical order): f Iraq: The many offi cials and the water experts have over the years given me a unique insight into their daily and long-term challenges. Their hospitality over the years will never be forgotten. f Israel: Very few countries in the world have such a high expertise in water resources management. I have been enlightened by their knowledge, and received a greater understanding and respect of their concerns and hopes. f Jordan: Due to its geographical location and political situation, Jordanian offi cials and professionals have given valuable perspectives I would otherwise not have received. f Lebanon: The many offi cials and water professionals have over the years given me a deeper understanding of their way of handling the water issues. f Palestinian Authority: I have had the pleasure to work with many leaders and experts, even before the Oslo Accord, and have learnt to better understand and respect their aspirations and how to handle the problems. f Syria: Warm hospitality has always been shown by the many leaders and experts, and without their guidance through endless meetings and conversations, I would not been given such an appreciation and understanding of their country, of their people, and their waters. f Turkey: Even since the fi rst visits and meetings, offi cials and water experts have shown me great hospitality and insight, and gained my respect for what they have achieved and still want to pursue. This book would never have been written if it had not been for my wife Bente. For years, she has walked beside me over the hills and through the valleys – and continued to encourage my work. I am greatly indebted to my teacher of many years, the late professor Just Gjessing, who taught me to use science for the benefi t of people. The foundation of this book is work conducted since the early 1990s, based on systematic notes and photos, which Just always prompted me to take despite the hassle of this mental exercise in the midst of the operational tasks and travelling. I am profoundly grateful for a few people’s encouragement throughout the years, and Kari and Hans Petter Foss are among the fi rst ones to be mentioned. This book is very much based on technical studies and numerous consultations with delegates from the various countries, and I am indebted to several people who put in a tremendous effort into studies of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. The fi rst to be acknowledged is Bjørn Børstad. He has been my close aide and friend, and was responsible for leading the hydrological and water quality modelling of the two rivers as well as for compiling and editing the technical study of the Euphrates 5 7702_water_peace_int.indd02_water_peace_int.indd 5 223/07/083/07/08 117:19:167:19:16 and Tigris. He received valuable assistance from his colleagues in COWI and other consultants. Special thanks to David Barton for his insight into water economics. Many of my students from the University of Oslo became close associates and have over the years been most helpful in every area of water disputes. Heidi Thorstensen managed the diffi cult tasks patiently with excellent results. I am also very grateful to Knut Aasberg for his capable work on combining the substance with the computers, especially maps and fi gures for this publication. The book would not have been possible without decisive advice and guidance from people in the region. There are many to name, although only a few will be mentioned to represent insights from various countries (in order to avoid sensitivities, political leaders are not mentioned here, although some have had a profound impact on some of my work and proposals). In alphabetical order: Nazih Bandak, the late Ali Ihsan Bagis, Fadi Comair, Moshe Israeli, Badr Kasme, Fadel Kawash, Jacob Keidar, Antoine Nammour, Yigal Salingar, Adnan Shuman and Olcay Unver. Also outside the region, I have benefi ted greatly from essential advice and support throughout the years, especially from Vigleik Eide, Les Woller, Tom Bøe, Sir Kieran Prendergast, Michael Möller, Chuck Lawson, Simon Mason, Arne Solli, Ola Vråmo, Henric Immink, Yngve Hanisch as well as from colleagues of COMPASS and, some years ago, former staff at the CESAR Foundation – Ulf Gürgens, Tor Wennesland, and Asgeir Føyen among many others. A book this long has required meticulous translation, and two associates have undertaken this daunting task. Magdy Hefny made the Arabic translation and another dedicated collaborator the Hebrew one. They are of course not responsible for the content, but should be credited for any fruits that this publication may yield. The English text was initially improved by Gerd Mathisen. My good friends Kathryn and Christopher have, respectively, been responsible for the English editing and the initial design layout. Their skills are not only highly appreciated, but obviously displayed for all throughout the publication. It has been a great privilege to work with the dedicated staff at UNESCO in Paris, and I am very grateful to András Szollosi-Nagy for his leadership and insight into international water resources management and current affairs. Léna Salamé has provided assistance and guidance, for which I am also greatly indebted. The highly dedicated staff of UNESCO Publishing has done an outstanding task. Finally, but not least, I am deeply thankful to Christina and Andreas. They have remained remarkably patient and supportive despite an absent father throughout all these years. Their generation will be the one “to make a difference”. Above all, I am grateful to the various Departments and Agencies of the UN, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Norway and Switzerland, for their support of various projects in the region. All the people mentioned above are part of any success of this publication, but have no responsibility for any failures, unintended misrepresentation, or errors in this book. 6 7702_water_peace_int.indd02_water_peace_int.indd 6 223/07/083/07/08 117:19:167:19:16 Table of contents Acknowledgements .................................................................................................... 5 List of abbreviations .................................................................................................. 9 Explanation of terms ............................................................................................... 11 Lists of maps, tables, fi gures, photos ......................................................................... 12 Preface .................................................................................................................. 16 Executive summary ..................................................................................................24 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 25 Section I Upper Jordan River and the Golan Heights Basins................................ 39 Part 1. The water of the Golan Heights - the fi nal quest for a comprehensive peace between Syria and Israel ........................................................ 41 Part 2. Boiling point at the Upper Jordan River – the Wazzani Springs confl ict between Lebanon and Israel ......................................81
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