The Iraqi–Turkish Water Crisis Between 2020 and 2024

Abstract

The water crisis between Iraq and Turkey is one of the ongoing issues that significantly affects the bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly with the challenges related to the sharing of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This crisis primarily began with Turkey’s implementation of large-scale water projects, such as the Ilisu Dam, which contributed to a significant reduction in water flow to Iraq. Iraq faces several challenges due to these projects, including water scarcity, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate change. The Iraqi government is striving to find diplomatic solutions through negotiations with Turkey and other countries like Iran to secure fair water shares. The study explored the main causes of the crisis through several aspects, such as Turkish water projects, the expansion of water usage, the absence of binding water agreements, the impacts of climate change, and political considerations. It also examined future scenarios and the challenges related to water sharing, discussing possibilities for cooperation between the two countries in managing the water crisis. The study further clarified that the future of the crisis depends on several factors, such as changes in political relations between Iraq and Turkey, adherence to diplomatic solutions, international pressures, and cooperation in facing climate change. The study emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to ensure water security in Iraq and the broader region.