Jesus Pompa A01722420

Mariel Soto A01722260

Environmental Systems and Societies 

Karla Andrea González Rodríguez

HW 3 - Water Conflict

Afghanistan & Iran conflict

 

Although Afghanistan is a self-sufficient water country, it has one of the lowest levels of water storage capacity in the world. Most of Afghanistan's water comes from its major river basins; one of those being the Helmand River, which also flows into Iran. Afghanistan has been investing in the construction of new dams. Especially for the Helmand river which is considered the ¨lifeline of water¨ in Afghanistan and covers over 40% of the surface area of the country. However, this river has been the center of a growing dispute between Iraq and afghanistan. Over water rights and the construction of the Kamal Khan dam. Iran argues that the construction of the dam will cause major environmental damage. While Afghanistan argues that its construction ensures water security in consideration of the 1973 treaty with iran. Tensions may especially rise during dry years when Iranian reservoirs remain dry and Afghanistan cannot release enough water to meet Iran's rightful claim under the treaty. Additionally Iran insists that restricting water flow would cause further drying of endangered territory. But afghanistan officials deny iran's claim due to the reduction of water storage capacity. 

 

main actors: 

 

 

The place where the conflict is taking place is relevant for the case because the source of the problem ( and the water) literally crosses both sides. Most of the water from Afghanistan’s major river basins such as the Amu, Helmand, Harirud-Murghab and Kabul flows to neighbouring countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Water is an extremely crucial resource for survival, even though some country’s water rights may be stronger than those of others, the decisions made by either or, affect all. If the place where the conflict is taking place did not involve so many other countries and the health of their ecosystems and people, perhaps Afghanistan could do whatever they pleased with the water resources that they have power upon. 

Social: Drought is increasingly driving farmers in Afghanistan to switch to poppy cultivation, which requires much less water than other crops and is also more lucrative. For many years, Afghanistan has been the world’s largest opium producer, and Iran has been the main transit route for Afghan opium to Central Asia and Europe. This problem has aggravated Iran’s number one social problem, opiate addiction. 

Political: The relationship between these two countries is primarily due to the fact that the communication that they have with one another is poor. Both countries are fighting for their individual benefit and are neglecting the rights of the other country. If a proper method of communication is not established quickly, there may be a lot of issues that would affect both nations negatively. Their geographical proximity is important to consider. If the relationship is damaged, a lot of money and people would be affected. 

Economic: The deteriorating economic situation, unemployment, and the loss of income from agriculture in both countries has led to more drug trafficking in the Hamoun region, with all the attendant ill effects on Afghan and Iranian societies. Iran’s economy needs Afghanistan in terms of hydro-politics and Afghanistan’s economy needs Iran in terms of geopolitics. Ignoring these geographical aspects would impose great costs on both countries

In order to solve this problem the countries involved should establish a mechanism for an open and active communication towards the necessary cooperation over water. One of the main problems that leads to the issue is actually the poor communication between countries. If both countries focus on their sole development, the relationship will only aggravate. Based on international water law, Afghanistan should not deprive Iranians from access to water. In return, Iran should extend a helping hand to Afghanistan by contributing to sustainable peace and socio-economic development (Hashmat, n.d).

As mentioned before one of the main reasons as to why this argument is taking place is because of the lack of understanding. Both countries have become polarized and unable to reach an agreement. If nations keep disputing over, and overusing their water resources then they will come to an end. And once there is no more water to feed the earth, it will be too late to talk and come to agreements. Because of this limited resource and its importance, it is crucial for countries to realize it must be used sustainably. And to reach an agreement before there is none to use.