Water and the Arab- Israeli Peace Process - Essay Example

Water and the Arab- Israeli Peace Process Middle East is known for a long time for conflict. The conflict due to territorial occupation and water usage has been rampant (Asser 1). Water has been a lasting problem due to a dry state of the region. A reflection on water helps in understanding Arab-Israel peace process.Water has been a source of conflict in the region. There have been wars in the region due to issues of water. One of such wars was the Six-Day war in 1967 (Asser 1). The war arose due to Arab countries intention of diverting the River Jordan.

The river had been the main source of drinking water for Israel (Asser 1). After the war, a larger section of water resources was taken by Israel (Asser 1). The complete control of water resources has led to conflict. Israel has dominated 80 percents of the mountain aquifer leaving only 20 percent to the Palestinians (Asser 1). This leaves little water resources to the Palestinians. Moreover, the Palestinians complain of limited access to their water resources (Asser 1). They cite the Israel military as the one preventing them from using their own water resources.

There has also been allocation of more water to Israel nationals as compared to Palestinians. This has been evident in West Bank.The issue of water has also led to increased tension in the area. The tension has been due to the effect on Palestinian agriculture. The little available water has negatively affected the Palestinian agricultural economy (Asser 1). The Palestinian are also subjected to water rationing as the reserves gets dry (Asser 1).Proper water management has been cited as necessary for peace in the region.

In the 90s, water was viewed as being tricky point of discussion in Arab-Israel peacemaking (Asser 1). The continued settlement of Israel in sensitive water areas, in West Bank, has also been seen as a threat to peace and stability in the region. Additionally, some of the stalled negotiations on the peace process between Israel and other Arab countries have been based on water related issues (Asser 1).In conclusion, it is clear the issues of water have featured prominently in the region. Therefore, peacemaking process in Israel-Arab conflict can be fruitful by addressing water problems.

Works CitedAsser, Martin. “Obstacles to Arab-Israeli peace: Water.” Bbc.com. Web 01 April 2014. .