Syrian-Turkish Water Conflict in the Rapprochement Period

This study investigates the potential for a resolution of the Syrian-Turkish water conflict in the rapprochement period. The Syrian-Turkish Water Events Database has indicated that Turkey, the upper riparian state on the Euphrates River, still favors the status-quo, whereas Syria has entered a stalemate and signaled significant optimism for a resolution. This study suggests that Turkey discounts the future for the status-quo, although it is unsustainable in the upcoming decades for two major reasons. First, as a candidate country, Turkey is obliged to adopt the European Union water frameworks that favor the Syrian (and Iraqi) demands. Second, the emergence of an autonomous Kurdish state in northern Iraq is likely to destabilize Turkey s GAP region. In this context, Turkey has a historical chance to win an ally in Syria while her bargaining power is still at its maximum. Their cooperation also promises better utilization of scarce resources for agricultural and industrial development in the region. Thus, this book targets those who want to understand the political, socioeconomic, military, and environmental aspects of world s one of the most protracted water conflicts.