Water Issues

This general view shows the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Guba, Ethiopia, on Feb. 19, 2022.

Analysis

Against Ethiopia, Egypt courts East African states over Nile dam dispute

Tensions over a wide range of issues, including Ethiopia’s ambitions for Red Sea access, are likely to worsen the dispute with Egypt over Addis Ababa’s controversial dam on the Nile River.

Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received President of the Sovereign Council of the Republic of the Sudan General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan at Cairo International Airport.

Egypt's Sisi hosts Burhan, eyes reconstruction in Sudan: What to know

Egypt’s president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Sudanese army head Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met in Cairo for talks on the latest developments in Sudan as Cairo seeks lucrative reconstruction deals in the war-torn country.

A Taliban security personnel walks along the roadside during the inauguration ceremony of Bakhshabad Dam in Bala Buluk district of Farah province on May 20, 2023.

Analysis

How climate change, dams are fueling Iran-Afghanistan water disputes

The Pashdan Dam is the latest flashpoint in the long-standing water disputes between the two nations.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

A car drives past a road signal indicating the Allenby (King Hussein) Bridge crossing point to Jordan (background), Jericho, West Bank, Jan. 28, 2021.

Analysis

First in 30 years: How Allenby Bridge attack could upend Jordan-Israel ties

Despite the strained relationship between Jordan's King Abdullah and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, neither of the governments wishes to see the breakout of violence on the border or the Temple Mount.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Latest News

Tensions surge in Horn of Africa as Ethiopia’s ambitions clash with Somalia, Egypt

A Somali National Army soldier stands at attention during the morning briefing for trainee officers at the General Dhagabadan Training Centre in Mogadishu on March 19, 2024.

In managing water crisis, can Turkey and Iraq bridge gap without Syria?

The Euphrates river near Dura Europos (Tell Salhiye), Syria. Iraq is just several miles downstream.

Dubai's record rainfall spotlights Gulf’s troubled relation with water

A man walks past a stranded car on a flooded street in Dubai following heavy rains on April 18, 2024.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Why Israel is likely to accept Jordan’s request for more water

The Wadi Mujib river in Jordan.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

An Iranian woman walks through a flooded road on Jan. 13, 2020.

Floods devastate Iran’s Baluchistan as losses exceed $40 million

Iran has been hit with severe flooding and significant drought in recent years, and the government has been accused of mismanaging the crises.

AMANUEL SILESHI/AFP via Getty Images

Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed downplays war risk with Somalia over Somaliland deal

Ethiopian premier has said his country has no intention of fighting with Somalia and that it's ready to negotiate with Egypt and Sudan on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance (GERD) standoff.

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Somali president visits Qatar, Egypt amid row over Somaliland-Ethiopia deal

The tour comes after Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland signed a controversial deal that would give Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea.

A meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo on May 7, 2023.

Alarmed over Ethiopia-Somaliland deal, Arab FMs rally behind Somalia, Egypt

Somalia denied entry to an Ethiopian flight heading to Somaliland, as a controversial deal signed between the latter and Ethiopia continues to be a source of concern in the region.

Third Nile Cataract, Sudan, 29 Dec. 29, 2022.

What failure of Nile dam talks means for Egypt and Ethiopia

Years of negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have failed to yield an agreement, leading to tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia amid water issues related to climate change.

Iraq drought

How are climate change, water scarcity weighing on Iraq’s agriculture?

The Norwegian Refugee Council said farmers are being hurt economically by climate change, and suggested better irrigation techniques and water monitoring technology to improve the sector.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan.

Israel's Gaza war opens room for Turkey-Iran rapprochement

Turkey’s Gaza diplomacy has failed to bear fruit thus far, but it has clearly led to a rapprochement between Ankara and Tehran.

alfalfa

Explainer: What is behind the Arizona-Saudi groundwater controversy?

The US state canceled the lease for one of Saudi dairy giant Almarai’s subsidiaries, saying it has been improperly pumping groundwater out of the desert.

People watch a water curtain fountain at the Boulevard entertainment city in Riyadh on August 29, 2023. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)

China builds reach by backing Middle East water projects

In its latest financial deal, China has agreed to provide a new credit facility to expand Saudi Arabia's water generation and power portfolio.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R) receives Sudanese General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in El Alamein, Aug. 29, 2023.

Sudan’s Burhan heads to Egypt amid ongoing conflict

The Egypt-Sudan relationship is politically and economically important for both countries, and the visit is Burhan’s first since fighting began in Sudan in April.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks during the first power generation ceremony at the site of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Analysis

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan resume talks on Nile River dam, but obstacles remain

The current talks follow the outbreak of violence in Sudan as well as mediation efforts by the UAE.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) poses with Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baghdad on Aug. 22, 2023.

Turkey’s FM tackles long-held disputes with Iraq in first official visit

Hakan Fidan chose Iraq for his first official visit as Turkey's new foreign minister, but the visit appeared to yield little progress on long-standing disputes between Ankara and Baghdad.