ICG Report on Central ASia

CENTRAL ASIA: WATER AND CONFLICT
International Crisis Group report

Water and energy issues have been second only to Islamic extremism as a
source of tension in recent years in Central Asia. The rate of water use has
increased rapidly after the collapse of the Soviet Union and is now
unsustainable without major improvements in the way in which the five states
of the region work with each other. Until now, however, failure to cooperate
has frequently compounded problems. An annual cycle of disputes over water
contributes to an  uneasy political climate.  A multifaceted regional
approach is needed that addresses energy, agriculture and demographic
aspects of water use. Donor countries should ensure that their assistance
includes measures to improve regional cooperation and solve political as
well as technical problems.

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