The Wazzani Springs

The controversy over the usage of the Wazzani Springs arises because it is a tributary of the Hatzbani river, which is a tributary of the Jordan River. These tributaries account for nine percent of Israel’s drinking water, with the Sea of Galilee providing a more substantial source of Israel’s water (Gilbert 2002). Regardless of the legitimacy of the power that is demonstrated by the Shiite militant group, their actions will prove their economic and political power to neighboring states by presiding over Israel in this issue.

Another issue that arises with the influence of Hezbollah are the genuine of intentions of Lebanon by trying to radiate political/economic authority. One must put himself in the context of power, defined on Middle Eastern terms, where often times, that means the use of force and violence. Fittingly, Lebanon would resort to the influence of a militant group to help achieve certain political goals. Especially in regards to Israel, because of they once had a vast amount of political strength and power over Lebanon during the occupation. Where Lebanon cannot account for the legitimate political power and authority that Israel might be able to muster in an issue such as this, they will resort to the influence of Hezbollah.

How Does This All Play Out?

This bitterness (due to the fact that they would resort to the use of terrorism) demonstrates that to Lebanon, the water conflict is about much more than human survival and the need for actual fresh water. Hammud, a Lebanese Foreign Minister retorted during a United Nations address, “As if occupying the Arab lands and terrorizing their civilian populations were not enough,” (Sengupta 2002). Certainly, the disputed legitimacy of Israel’s actions as far as the occupation would not justify a Lebanese full scale terrorist attack on Israel, there are other sentiments (beyond genuine environmental concern) present in their response to Israel’s complaints. Obviously, the conflict between Israel and Lebanon, regarding this issue, goes far beyond the guise of the necessity of the water, or the legitimacy of each state’s use of the appropriate resources.

Need a Historical Perspective?

Kirin Aziz Cahudry, a Political Science Professor at University of California - Berkeley dicusses the history of hydro-political and economic situation inthe Middle East. Click here to view this interview. (You will need the QuickTime Plugin).