The politics of water: Iraq and Turkey

Two rivers helped build civilisation. Now they are at the centre of a geopolitical struggle that casts a shadow over the future of the Middle East. For centuries, the Tigris and Euphrates carried goods, armies and ideas, shaping some of history's greatest empires. But today, a toxic mix of climate change, outdated irrigation methods and conflicting national interests is pushing these rivers to the brink. As Turkey’s vast dam projects reduce downstream flows, Iraq is being forced into negotiations that go far beyond water, touching on security cooperation, trade routes and energy. This is the story of how water became a geopolitical bargaining chip.

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Contributors: Dilay Yalcin, Mohammed al-Jumaily

Producer: Dilay Yalcin, Barry Sadid

Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg

Music: Pete Cunningham