Explain why Iraq has a severe water shortage and who would say is to blame?
Iraq faces a severe water shortage due to a combination of factors including climate change, population growth, outdated infrastructure, inefficient water management practices, and upstream dam construction. Climate change has resulted in decreased rainfall and increased temperatures, leading to lower river flows and higher evaporation rates. Population growth has put increased pressure on water resources, with demand exceeding supply. Outdated infrastructure and inefficient water management practices have contributed to water losses and wastage.
Many critics claim that neighboring countries like Turkey and Iran, who have built dams on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which flow into Iraq, are partly to blame for the water shortage. These dams have reduced the amount of water reaching Iraq, exacerbating the country's water crisis. Additionally, some experts argue that government mismanagement and corruption have also played a role in the water shortage in Iraq.
Overall, the severe water shortage in Iraq is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, and it is difficult to assign blame to one single entity. Addressing the water crisis will require a combination of measures including improved water management practices, infrastructure upgrades, and regional cooperation.