As in Israel, water, and its apportionment has the potential to be a flashpoint in relations between countries of the Middle East. One focus of attention has been on the Euphrates River, shared by Syria, Turkey and Iraq. In recent years, Turkey has moved ahead on its Southeast Anatolian Development project, a massive system of dams to control the upper Euphrates, intended to kickstart development of that region of Turkey, while also giving it control over water in the entire basin. The project has so far caused both relocation of many local residents, as well as tension between Turkey and its neighbours.

Sources:
o Fred Pearce, The Dammed, "The Waters of Babylon," pp. 299-306.