Iran Warns Taliban Amid Rising Tensions Over Water Resource Disputes
Tensions are escalating between Iran and Afghanistan over dam construction, with Iran accusing the Taliban of violating water agreements. The Taliban’s plans for new dams aim to address Afghanistan’s water scarcity. Iran insists on its water rights, calling for adherence to bilateral treaties, while some experts question the existence of a formal agreement governing these rivers.
Amidst increasing hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, tensions have escalated between Iran and the Afghan Taliban regarding hydrological management. Iran has accused the Taliban of contravening bilateral agreements concerning the use of shared water resources which flow into its territory. Counterclaims from Afghanistan assert that these accusations are unfounded. The core of this dispute centers around the allocation of water from several rivers critical to both nations, a long-standing issue in their bilateral relations.
The Taliban government has embarked on significant infrastructural projects, including the filling of the Pashdan Dam in Herat and the construction of two further dams on the Farah River. The Pashdan Dam, located on the Karokh River, recently commenced water collection, and the rapid development of the Bakhshabad Dam in Farah is underway, with the Kaj Samad Dam projected to break ground soon. These dams are intended to divert water for agricultural irrigation, an essential step towards alleviating Afghanistan’s chronic water shortages exacerbated by years of conflict.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has characterized these dam projects as violations of agreed-upon treaties, invoking Iran’s established water rights. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei has urged the Afghan government to allow proper water flow into Iran in accordance with existing agreements. He emphasized that the utilization of water resources must comply with both bilateral treaties and established international law to ensure amicable neighborly relations.
While Iran cites its rights under current agreements, experts question whether a formal treaty specifically governs the usage of the Harirod and Farah rivers. Notably, Mohammad Rafiq Shaheer, head of the Herat Expert Council, articulated that Afghanistan’s pressing need for water resources merits serious consideration. He remarked that following decades of destructive conflict, leveraging water resources is critical for Afghanistan’s economic revival, the creation of jobs, and the assurance of food security for its populace.
The historical context of water resource management between Iran and Afghanistan is complex, with numerous disputes arising due to the transboundary rivers that flow between the two nations. Water scarcity in Afghanistan has been exacerbated by years of war, rendering the management of these vital resources a pressing issue. Both countries have previously engaged in discussions concerning water rights, but the lack of a formalized treaty regarding specific river allocations continues to fuel tensions. The current developments in dam construction in Afghanistan bring these longstanding issues to the forefront of regional diplomacy.
In summary, the conflict over water resources between Iran and Afghanistan reflects broader geopolitical tensions and the urgent need for both nations to address their mutual water management challenges. While Afghanistan seeks to harness its water for agricultural expansion and economic recovery, Iran’s claims highlight the necessity for adherence to established agreements. The ongoing development of dam projects may lead to further diplomatic strife unless cooperative frameworks are established to manage shared river resources effectively.
Original Source: www.india.com
