Iraqi Strategic Perception in Managing Risks of Current and Future Water Crisis

The research aims to explore Iraqi strategic perceptions and perspectives on managing the water crisis and its associated risks in Iraq. The significance of this research lies in its direct connection to people's and nations' lives which is the vital lifeline and foundation for human activity, as well as a measure of a state's strength and progress where most civilizations thrived near water sources. Iraq has faced a water crisis since the 1980s, necessitating strategic awareness to mitigate its risks. Therefore, the research will be structured into two sections: the first focuses on Iraqi strategic perceptions of internal and external water risks, while the second section will concentrate on realistic and future-oriented water crisis management in Iraq. A key conclusion drawn is the existence of a flaw in Iraq's water policy since the establishment of the Iraqi state in the 1920s, with successive governments failing to achieve water security. Hence, Iraq should endeavor to activate treaties and agreements concluded with upstream and downstream countries, particularly internationally recognized agreements acknowledging the Tigris River as an international watercourse, under the supervision of the United Nations.