Iraq "land between two rivers"

Iraq is situated between the Euphrates and the Tigris. Cultivation through irrigation started more that 7,000 years ago.

Until recently, Iraq was self sufficient in food production and was a leading country in the export of dates. During the past three decades agricultural production began to deteriorate due to the following reasons:

• 1. environmental changes that led to frequent drought
• 2. population increase
• 3. invasion by American forces which caused the destruction of the country's infrastructure, especially the water purification and sewer system, and its electrical power.
• 4. construction of dams in Turkey along both the Euphrates and the Tigris which led to a substantial decrease in the flow of water to both Iraq and Syria

Recently, it was reported in the American media that palm trees in Iraq are dying due to the lack of irrigation. This led government officials from Turkey, Syria and Iraq meet to discuss the water problem they face.

In another post I mentioned the problems Egypt is facing regarding its future water shortage. So is Iraq.

The same question arises. Should international law govern and regulate the flow of rivers when it crosses international boundaries?

For further information regarding Iraq see my article "Iraq War Conspiracy and its Aftermath"