Reading “4 Weeks on Path to War: From Raid on a Mosque to Middle East Carnage,” provides a glimpse into the 2021 eruption of violence in Israel/Palestine. It gives a glimpse into the events that led to the rocket bombardments from Israel and Gaza. Violence in the Middle East and specifically in Israel-Palestinian Territories, is not new. But reading these articles and comparing that to what is currently unfolding feels very eerie. Specifically the line, “In another year, the episode might have been quickly forgotten.” Here we are two years later looking at Israel beginning ground operations in Gaza. We are seeing the beginning of what will be a long battle, especially with many actors involved including Iran, which we looked briefly at last week.
Another interesting article this week is “Biden and Mother Nature Have Reshaped the Middle East,” which looks at the recent developments in the Middle East and how environmental factors have allowed for rebuilding of relations between Middle Eastern nations that have in recent years weakened. One of the environmental factors this article mentions is a Jordanian and Israeli-Palestinian alliance through water accessibility and solar electricity. Israel has access to freshwater which they would then provide Jordan which is one of the driest countries in the world, while Jordan would use their vast desert land to provide solar grids for Israelis and Palestinians. This alliance has been promoted by environmental organizations that promote peace between the two people.
How does Israel’s access to water in the region relate to the current ongoing situation? While Israel has been revolutionary in their water sustainability and innovation, it has also been criticized for their decisions regarding water accessibility. Many human rights organizations have called out Israel’s “monopoly” of water access which they, compared to the Israeli supply, have limited Palestinian access. The West Bank has suffered water shortages, and since 2021, many of the Palestinian made reservoirs, wells and sewage networks have been destroyed by Israeli authorities for being unauthorized. In retaliation for Hamas’ actions this month, the Israeli government decided to cut off water supply to the Palestinian people in Gaza, which they just reopened at the urging of the UN and US.
With environmental changes and extreme natural disasters becoming more prevalent, will we begin to see this shift of using environmental factors in disputes/war? In drought ridden areas, can blocking water supply be more common.? It’s already happening in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, with water scarcity leading to crop failure being widespread, now being one of the largest factors of death. How will the weaponization of water be treated in International Courts? We also have to look at the influx of environmental refugees, can these new environmental disasters cause worsening political ties? Many nations are already stopping migrants and refugees from entering, with many populist leaders being elected on their stance of being against immigration. All these things can lead to nations being in conflict with each other due to their citizens fleeing to seek refuge in other nations. (Ex: Bangladesh and Myanmar relations over Rohingyas)
One reply on “Week 9: Nailah”
Nailah,
This was an interesting and thoughtful blog post. Water is undoubtedly a key to the future of the entire Middle Eastern region. It is a place that has almost always been chronically short. The NYT journalist, Tom Friedman has written frequently about this and how climate change can and will reshape the politics of the region. Countries like Jordan and Syria have suffered heavily from drought in recent years, and Israel has technology that could help. But for that to happen, these ancient enemies have to find a way to live together peacefully. –Professor Wallerstein