Introduction
When seeking to industrialize, Middle Eastern countries encountered several economic and political challenges. These challenges are not easily mitigated and, thus, require special consideration in order to develop and prosper successfully in the modern globalized world. In the Middle East, ethnic strife and scarce water resources have a substantial economic and political influence on the nation-states and the area.
Economic Development Challenges and Their Impact on the Middle East
The region’s economy mainly depends on agriculture and oil production, which are negatively impacted by water shortages. Particularly in nations like Iraq and Syria, a lack of water can result in agricultural failures and the death of livestock. Growing crops in arid locations may challenge farmers (National Geographic, 2016). Oil and gas are only two of the many sectors that rely on water for their operations. Water scarcity can result in higher production costs, decreased productivity, or shutdowns entirely (National Geographic, 2016). The upshot might be a fall in industrial output, resulting in job losses and reduced salaries.
Conflicts and political tensions can be exacerbated by water shortages (The Face of the Earth, n.d.). When ethnic tensions rise, as they do on Israel’s and Lebanon’s borders, countries that share water resources may compete with one another over allocation. The host region’s resources may be strained as a result, putting political and economic pressure on the area (The Face of the Earth, n.d.). Other ethnic and religious conflicts involving Kurds, Druses, and others can further destabilize the political and economic situation in the region as a whole, and especially in particular cases, such as Turkey and Syria.
Conclusion
In general, the Middle East’s economy and political stability can be significantly impacted by scarce water resources and the expansion of ethnic conflicts. To increase water security, the area must collaborate to manage these resources responsibly, reduce waste, and invest in innovative technology. The number of continuing disputes in the region proves that ethnic and religious conflicts are difficult to resolve. However, a first step toward a more comprehensive dispute settlement might be a peaceful reconciliation and communication.
References
National Geographic. (2016). See how life has changed in the Middle East over 58 years [Video]. YouTube. Web.
The Face of the Earth. (n.d.) PowerPoint Slides.