https://iwpr.net/global-voices/water-conflicts-loom-central-asia
In the state of Afghanistan, there is an irrigation canal that is under construction which is planning to transform the agricultural landscape and to provide water to millions of Afghan citizens hit by regular droughts. The neighboring countries Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, however, are very concerned about the impact of their own water supply. They believe the canal will direct resources to the Amu Darya river and reduce the supplies needed in the two countries, which have been siphoning water from the area since the era of the Soviet Union. An Uzbek government delegate has expressed his concerns about diverting water into Afghanistan’s northern regions during his visit. The Taliban said they had a right to the water as the two countries as the three countries did not sign a formal agreement on the amount of water needed in each country. This project has been planned for years since before the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan.
I find this article to be very concerning as it is talking about which country needs water the most. In Afghanistan, a lot of citizens and animals are in need of water during droughts. But in the countries of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, they need water for agricultural purposes like cotton. Since the Amu Darya river is formed between the three countries, I believe that they should come into some kind of agreement so that all three countries have their fair amount of water needed for agriculture and to preserve the river for the future. There should be just about enough water for everyone to help them survive in the deserts and the droughts.
In International Relations, we have learned about global challenges like environmental problems and human rights. The reduced amount of water in Afghanistan could have a serious impact on its agriculture and the health of its citizens. But taking that water away from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan could have a major impact on their agriculture and their citizens as well. The water crisis in the three countries brings a humanitarian concern to food shortages. We have also discussed advocacy, which focuses on certain causes like environmental action and preserving human rights. The three countries should have enough water to help its citizens increase agriculture and overcome food shortage.