Warring Over Water
Syria's water shortage: a catalyst for war
In the Syrian city of Hama the famous water wheels are turning ever more slowly. Fed by the dwindling Euphrates sometimes they do not turn at all. It represents a key shift in the traditional balance of power in the region.
New Turkish dams are restricting the flow of water into Syria and since the Euphrates providing most of the country's water, it's an explosive issue. Syria's Minister of Planning puts it bluntly: 'There is a high possibility of armed conflict over this. When people are thirsty they will fight for water.' Syria is under pressure on two fronts. The Israeli held Golan Heights hosts the springs that are the River Jordan's source. Now Syria is demanding access to this water as well, and the Israelis, thirsty themselves aren’t going to give it to them.
Produced by ORF Fernsehprogramm-Service GmbH & Co KG
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