Revue Mots, numéro 60, septembre 1999

An original take on the Near East, seen from the agricultural viewpoint which is too often forgotten by analysts. This unusual geopolitical approach reminds us of agriculture's central role in conflicts and power strategies.

In this arid region, water and land resources are the object of rivalries and intense power struggles; and agriculture, by far the biggest user of land and water, lies at the heart of power strategies, sovereignty and security.

In the unique context where a demographic boom coincides with the creation of borders, sharing water is now a matter that sparks off contention and divides countries. It is useful to recall that the control of water supplies was a contributing factor to the emergence of civilizations in the Near East.