As time goes on, the Middle East will increasingly be the center of water related tension. Currently, 5% of the world's population resides in the Middle East, but they only have 1% of the world's freshwater supply. Water scarcity will compound already present tensions in the region.
The Jordan River basin is the main source of water for several nations, Including Israel and Jordan. In 1965, Jordan attempted to construct a dam designed to divert the Jordan River away from Israel. This construction would have reduced Israel's water supply by 11%. Israel responded with air raids into Jordan, designed to halt construction. Tensions grew between Israel, Jordan, and Jordan's regional allies. In 1967, these tensions culminated in the Six Day War. |