Publication

This paper discusses the water allocation problems that surround the Helmand River and how they are threatening the relationship between Iran and Afghanistan – two drought-plagued countries with substandard water management programs. In the last case, both countries continue to 1) build dams and dig wells without performing necessary environmental impact surveys; 2) divert water flows with an equal lack of planning; and 3) plant crops that aren’t suitable for the region’s changing climate. Indeed, without better management, international help and unambiguous agreements, the possibility of escalating crises between the two countries is very real.