ABSTRACT
Transboundary watercourses are subject to disagreements and conflicts. The main issues are related to sovereignty, flow control, construction of storage and diversion facilities, and timing of releases, in addition to the different economic, political, and social priorities of riparian countries. Water diplomacy, a term gaining increased acceptance, is a process and a tool to solve or mitigate conflicts for the sake of peace. It is not an easy ride in the realities of the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, an area known for its rapid demographic and economic changes in an unfavorable political setting. This paper reflects on major obstacles facing the process, presenting real examples based on personal experiences with the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and providing some practical thoughts for a successful engagement in transboundary water management.
