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conflict was averted through diplomatic negotiation and agreements. The success of the treaty was largely due to the establishment of a pro-Egyptian government in Sudan following a 1958 coup led by General Ibrahim Abboud, who secured very favorable terms for Sudan.

The inherent right of all people to have secure access to water is a fact that is readily acknowledged by the governments of developed and developing nations. The perception of water as a source of conflict and as a cause for future wars is belied by the evidence that is now becoming prevalent, that water can become a valuable tool for fostering peaceful relations among disparate nations. A good example of this is the 2002 signing of a water trade agreement between Israel and Turkey. Following a free-trade agreement in 1996, Turkey has become Israel's most important trading partner in the region.

Israel is currently in the midst of a serious water crisis because of changing climatic conditions. There was a severe shortage of rainfall during the winters of 1989-99. This has led to a negative balance in usage versus supply. Drought and over-utilization has led to a serious drop in water levels and volumes in Lake Tiberius, the Jordan River tributaries, and the mountain and coastal aquifers. Neighboring states are also affected, especially Palestine. It is believed by some that the water issue may even prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

It may well be that solutions to the Middle East crisis will take the form of aggressive water sharing strategies that cross the boundaries of disputes marking the current political climate, in the interest of peaceful coexistence. This can only occur after the futility of the ongoing struggle is acknowledged by all sides - that there can be no resolution without purposeful dialog.

Water conflicts can take many forms. In 2001, Palestinians destroyed water supply pipelines to the West Bank settlements of Yitzhar and to Kibbutz Kisufim. Protests and riots in Pakistan in 2001 over severe water shortages led to a death, injuries, and arrests. In Ethiopia in 2000, a man was stabbed to death during a fight over clean water. In 2003, the main water pipeline to Baghdad was sabotaged. The list is long.

Whether for military or political gains or because of terrorism, developmental disputes, or the control of resources, water will remain a focus for conflict, but experiences of the past have illustrated that it can also be a useful medium for peace.

Learn more about this author, Steve Lussing.
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