The Middle East is a region characterized by international concern and political unrest. With severe water shortages, it is water and not oil that threatens the renewal of military conflicts and social and economic disruption in the region. Water Resources and Conflict in the Middle East analyzes the river basins of the Euphrates, Tigris, Nile, and Jordan. The book provides a detailed study of the hydrology, hydrography and geography of these river basins and an analysis of the needs of the countries bordering them.

Nurit Kliot examines a number of crucial issues: the scarcity of resources and the potential for conflict concerning resources; the interrelationship between water resources, economy, and politics; and the ways that international law may be applied to water sharing in the river basins discussed. These issues are set within the context of the framework of the Helsinki and International Law Commission Rules.