With the rise of the Islamic State, civil wars, the largest refugee crisis in recent history, and governments that are alarmingly both inefficient and corrupt, current conditions in the Middle East are dreary, to say the least. Scientists and historians are now finding that many of these problems either stemmed from, or are exacerbated by, the water conflicts and shortages that have plagued this region. If I could go back in time and give advice to Middle Eastern leaders about water resources, I would warn them about fighting over their water sources and teach them ways to conserve water. The countries I would address include Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. They would be told about ways to utilize canals, wells, and water pipelines to disperse water from places where it is more plentiful to where it is scarce, as well as store water from the wet seasons to be used in times of drought. I would also tell them about ways to recycle waste water and the technology used to desalinate water from the ocean. Lastly, and most importantly, I would advise them to implement policies that regulate the amount of water people can use to prevent the overuse of important aquifers.

The current conflicts in the Middle East show that they have not been doing much right regarding their water resources. I don’t think there is anything that I would say they did right in this situation that I would keep the same. While the dams that these countries have built have the potential to be valuable resources both socially and economically, they are instead used to hoard water (in the case of Turkey) or as a dangerous weapon (in the case of the Mosul Dam).

While I would like to believe that the leaders would heed my recommendations, I have a feeling that they would be too prideful and rather take my suggestions as offensive to their way of life. Even today, leaders in the Middle East tend to be stubborn and not heed the warnings of the rest of the world.

Three pieces of information I would need from the past to turn this into a formal research paper:

• The water resource technology available to these countries during this time
• The climate and weather patterns in these countries
• Detailed reports on the amount of water being used per person

I would find this information through the on-campus library and its online resources. I would look for peer reviewed articles to ensure that my resources are credible.

If I were to go back in time to help resolve a water problem in a specific country I would choose Syria. I think that Syria is a country that has and will always struggle with resources. From the article it stated that Syria was one of three countries that was losing water the fastest. Because there are such vast lands in this country it would be excellent for crops that thrive in heat such as wheat and barely. I think the main concern with this country is that they have no one to look to for direction. I think before they can establish laws and policies they need someone to enforce them whether it be like in the United States and having a president or having a council or something along those lines. Syria is a country that needs influence and without it they cannot prosper and flourish like they have the potential to. Recycling water would be very beneficial to this country especially because they are so low on the supply. This would mean putting in a drain and pipe system for running water such as sink water and such that cycles back through and is purified. Maybe even investing in a system where they categorize different water uses. For example black water would be sewage and that would not be recyclable, grey would mean water from showers and dish washing and clear would be from normal running sink water. As far as thing that I would keep the same, I can’t particularly think of anything. I almost think it would be better to go and wipe the slate completely clean. This is the easiest way to get this country going on the right track and to set them up for success.

 

Three areas of concern that I would need about the past are:

-Climate control for things like cropping, farming and so on

-Economic conditions: is this something they have previously invested in? what didn’t work the first time? is there an allotted budget for this specific concern?

-History on the uses of water: this would include things like how much water do they use on a daily basis? is it something that can be recycled and purified? where are their water sources coming from? what are their water habits?

If I had the opportunity to travel back in time to consult with the middle eastern leaders of Turkey, Iraq and Syria. I would take back proof that what they are doing (or not doing) with their water supplies will lead to a pending global catastrophe.  If I could, I would also take back the current technological plans for desalination and solar power. If the countries involved could further that current technology, then it would beneficial to the whole world. While it is expensive, if you could mediate a joint deal between multiple countries that would be beneficial to all parties involved.  I would inform on the pending drought to the region, and if they don’t start a water management program then it would lead to wars and thousands dead. I also believe that they should start metering the populace, meaning everybody gets charged for their usage. This act would lower consumption greatly because there would not be excessive use. It would allow for possible economic growth, with jobs being generated for installs and maintenance of the whole system overall. I believe that the leaders i spoke with would listen to me. If i had good proof that was irrefutable and that if they did not listen then they would be signing the death warrants of thousands.

 

Info needed:

I would need as much information about the leaders of Iraq, Syria and Turkey.

 

I would also need as much information as possible about the conflicts currently happening during the time traveling back to.

 

I would also want more information about the state of their infrastructure, and what techniques they have tried and failed at.

 

Im sure i could find this information available from the Albertson’s library and also internet research. I would make sure that I get as much primary information as possible. Secondary information would be easier to find but also helpful. As with all research if I were to use the Internet for research purposes I would have to verify and substantiate that the information is accurate.