WORLD WATER NEWS

Why Water Issues Are Crucial to Stability in the New Syria

• 04.07.2017
• Yazar:Dursun Yıldız
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• 901

     Dursun Yıldız

Hydropolitics Association of Turkey

Güfte Sokak No: 8/9 TR 06680 Kavaklıdere Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey

E mail: dyildiz@hidropolitikakademi.org

SUMMARY When one loook at last situation of the Syrian map, it can be seen that  the Islamic State is squeezed out of its strongholds in Mosul and Raqqa and witnesses a steady decline in the influx of foreign fighters. As of 2017 July  IS has lost 60% of territory, 80% of revenue This   brings any other important question: what is next for ISIS? Will it continue to retain control of several urban centers in the region—or will it disband and devote its complete attention to external operations and attacking Europe and the West? Balanche  clearly pointied out very curucial issue  in his article (2) while it has been out of mind during this chaotic civil war situation.After six year civil war,regardless of who controls the Euphrates Valley agricultural zone next, they will need to address the legacy of failed regime irrigation policies that are once again creating tension among local tribes A major offensive military movements in the eastern Syria has taken   place  to eradicate the Islamic State (IS) presence in the area. The Syrian army is advancing toward Deir al-Zour and Tabqa with the help of Russian aviation, while U.S.-supported Kurdish and Arab fighters under the flag of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are closing in from the North.(2). Ousting ISIS from its de facto capital of Raqqa may not be too far behind. Last month, Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, said that he hoped the assault on Raqqa would be “underway by this summer” and would be surprised if it continued into next year. In many ways, while the battles against ISIS in Mosul and Raqqa may soon reach their conclusions Military expert explanations  indicate that  time has come to prepare for "the day after IS" in the Euphrates area.After IS, it is clear that  various economic issues will play very key role  to local political stabilization. Regardless of who controls the area next -- whether the Assad regime, the SDF, or other players -- they will face the problem of water scarcity, which has long driven the area's political and economic dynamics. It seems that change is inevitable and the region must prepare for it. In this article, we explained current situation and threats  to draw the attention to crucial water issues. Keywords: Middle East, Syria, Divided Syria, New Syria ,Euphrates River [1] For citation : YILDIZ, D, 2017 " Why Water Issues Are Crucial to Stability in the New Syria ", World Water Diplomacy & Science News. Hydropolitics Academy, July 2017 ,Ankara.-Turkey   to read full article please click on Why Water Issues Are Crucial to Stability in the New Syria