Onjo Simson

  Iraq's iconic rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, once lifelines for the region, are now under severe threat due to rampant water pollution. Stricken by drought and hindered by upstream dams, these mighty waterways are suffocating under a barrage of pollutants, ranging from sewage to medical waste. With half of Iraq's population lacking access to safe drinking water, according to UN statistics, the crisis underscores a man-made disaster fueled by negligence and mismanagement by state institutions. Khaled Shamal, spokesperson for Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources, points to government institutions as the primary culprits behind the worsening pollution crisis . He highlights how Iraq's sewage network indiscriminately dumps untreated or poorly treated wastewater into the Tigris and Euphrates, exacerbating contamination levels. Furthermore, Shamal notes the alarming practice of hospitals and other facilities disposing of medical waste directly into the rivers, posing sign...

  According to recent news articles, Turkey and Iraq have been discussing ways to boost their partnership and address issues related to water management and security. The Turkish foreign minister visited Iraq this week, and the discussions covered the enhancement of bilateral relations, economic cooperation, water issues, counterterrorism efforts, and energy matters   A holistic approach that integrates the questions of trade, energy, security, and water can best help assuage Iraq's water needs in dealing with climate change However, there have been disputes over water resource management between Iraq and Turkey in the past, with Iraq accusing Turkey of following a hidden hydro-politics agenda and Turkey complaining that Iraq’s claims are legally unfounded since the Euphrates and Tigris rivers originate from Turkish soil Despite these challenges, it seems that both countries are working towards finding solutions to these issues and strengthening their partnership.