Drought, Dams and Diplomacy: Afghanistan’s Water Crisis Goes Regional

Afghanistan has grappled with a water crisis exacerbated by its limited control over five major river basins during the four decades of war. These river basins flow across borders into neighboring countries, impacting regional dynamics. Iran and Afghanistan, for example, lack a formal agreement over the shared Harirud river basin, which also affects Turkmenistan. The Harirud is often combined with the Morghab river, further complicating water management issues. Divided by conflict and lacking cooperation, these nations are facing heightened water scarcity and potential conflicts over shared resources. The lack of diplomatic agreements and infrastructure investment exacerbates the challenges, leaving populations vulnerable to the consequences of prolonged droughts and water shortages. The need for regional cooperation and effective diplomacy is crucial to address the complex water crisis in Afghanistan and its neighboring countries.