Introduction

Abstract

The growing world population and the depletion of natural resources raise the question of the impact of resource scarcity on social relations. In the Middle East the natural resource of water in particular is a major issue, and economic, political, and religious issues are linked to this frequently discussed and important topic. The ambiguity of this issue was illustrated when King Hussein I of Jordan said that the only reason ever to go to war with Israel again would be water (Lonergan 2003). Despite this, a peace agreement between Jordan and Israel was signed which regulated the allocation of water between the states. How fragile such an agreement could be was shown during the drought of 1999, when Jordan announced an “appropriate response” if Israel were to break the treaty and withhold the Jordanian share of water as determined in the treaty (Al Sharq Al Aswat 1999).

Long after oil runs out, water is likely to cause wars, cement peace, and make and break empires and alliances in the region, as it has for thousands of years (Cooley 1982: 3).

This book profited from the critical comments of two anonymous reviewers from the Middle East. The author appreciates their time, patience, and detailed evaluations which facilitated the rewriting of this study. He is also grateful to Professor Harders of the Free University Berlin for her expertise and her critical review, to PD Dr. Hans Günter Brauch for his advice, assistance, and moral support, and to Dr. Johanna Schwarz of Springer Verlag in Heidelberg and to Mr. Michael Headon for his careful language editing. Finally he would like to thank his family for their unconditional support.