Water Conflict over the Euphrates River in Light of International Law Rules: A Study on Political and Security Dimensions

Abstract

This research investigates the water conflict over the Euphrates River, analyzing it as a multifaceted issue involving legal, political, and security dimensions among the riparian states: Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. The study addresses the core problem of unequal water distribution, exacerbated by the absence of a comprehensive, binding international treaty and the conflicting legal interpretations of the river’s status—whether as an international watercourse or a transboundary one. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical and historical methodology, the research explores how Turkey’s upstream water projects, such as the GAP project, have directly impacted water availability downstream, leading to economic, environmental, and social crises in Syria and Iraq. Furthermore, the study evaluates various diplomatic efforts at both national and international levels, including bilateral agreements and the involvement of regional and international organizations, noting their limited success in imposing binding settlement mechanisms. The findings highlight that the conflict is deeply rooted in a lack of political will, historical regional tensions, and the absence of a unified framework for water management. The research concludes that managing the Euphrates requires more than technical adjustments; it demands a strategic shift toward a comprehensive tripartite agreement supported by international guarantees to ensure equitable and sustainable water use. Ultimately, the study emphasizes that the Euphrates issue is intrinsically linked to the national security and food sovereignty of the involved states, making sustainable cooperation essential for regional stability.