Water as a Source of Contention and Cooperation Essay Example

trans-boundary issues, economics, and legal matters related to water. Furthermore, it addresses problems concerning water resource management and specifically focuses on the Middle East's water technology issues. Additionally, the book explores the impact of climate change in this region.

The articles in this collection not only analyze the topic at hand, but also offer lessons and advice for policymakers. The collection spans 454 pages and provides a comprehensive exploration of the region's water resources. While the quality of the articles varies, with some offering clear and in-depth analysis while others providing less engaging descriptions of current water issues in the region, it is important to evaluate the volume as a whole. Ultimately, it serves as an up-to-date reference book on water issues that incorporates recent thoughts in the field.

Within the selection of articles, three have piqued my interest due to their relevance for future water resource management and their perspectives on conflict resolution in the area. One article by Hillel ShuvaP focuses on meeting fundamental human necessities and analyzing how Israelis and Palestinians both play a role in utilizing the water from the Mountain Aquifer. This remarkable work delves deep into the heart of regional water resource politics.

The author presents a persuasive argument advocating for prioritizing the fulfillment of essential human needs, regardless of geography and historical claims, as the foundation for shared water management. Specifically, the author emphasizes that Israel should allocate a portion of the natural waters from the Mountain Aquifer to the Palestinians, and that Lebanon and Syria, which have abundant water resources along the Jordan River, should also allocate a portion of this water to the Palestinians.

The Palestinians would have

their Minimum Water Requirement met, according to Jan Selby's article on reevaluating the Oslo Water Regime. Selby criticizes the Oslo II regime for jointly managing the West Bank's water resources, systems, and supplies, highlighting how it led to environmental damage. Selby advocates for a new joint management regime that would empower Palestinian authorities to establish an effectively regulated water sector.

Thirdly, David Brooks and Sarah Wolfe provide valuable insights into water demand management, drawing from experiences in the Middle East and South Africa. The authors argue that water demand management should not only be seen as a technological application or a water delivery program, but as a form of governance that is crucial for improving social, economic, and environmental conditions, as well as conserving precious water resources. The book's editors highlight the significance of these papers in "second track" diplomacy. This rings true, as scientists and technical experts can contribute to resolving political issues by objectively analyzing the problems they encounter on a daily basis. During my time as the deputy representative of Finland to the Palestinian Authority, Finland actively supported the development of the Palestinian water sector. I discovered that despite significant institutional barriers between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, experts from both sides were able to engage in fruitful discussions regarding technical matters of shared interest and concern.

I strongly suggest this significant book to researchers, policymakers, and anyone intrigued by the politics of water resources in the Middle East. 16. 3&4 169 Copyright of Palestine - Israel Journal of Politics, Economics & Culture belongs to Palestine-Israel Journal, and its contents should not be duplicated or shared via email to multiple websites or posted

on a listserv without the explicit written consent of the copyright owner. Nevertheless, users are allowed to print, download, or email articles for personal use.