MajorEnvironmentalIssuesoftheMiddleEast.pptVIP

Persian Gulf War Much of the oil refining machinery in Iraq was badly damaged in the Persian Gulf War, in 1991. The Iraqi government did not repair the equipment that makes refining oil safer for the environment.  For years, pollution from Iraqi oil refineries leaked into the water supply and in the air.  Many of Iraq’s oil refineries were destroyed and burned during the war, so that the air was polluted. Oil in War During the first Gulf War, Iraq used pollution as a strategy for fighting.  Iraqi soldiers dumped over three hundred gallons of oil into the Persian Gulf.  They also burned hundreds of oil wells in order to keep the U.S. from taking control of their oil industry. Oil in War Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Formed in the 1960’s by oil-rich countries in Southwest Asia and throughout the world to have more control over oil prices in the world market. Despite finding oil, some Southwest Asian countries still struggle to help their citizens make a decent living. CRCT Question #13 13. Why does the organization of OPEC play a powerful role in the world economy today? What to do? Oil is the basis of most of the economy of the Middle East, but pollution from the oil industry is one of the biggest threats to its environment. This pollution endangers the water supply in particular. Since there is not much fresh water in the region, these environmental problems directly affect the lives of Middle Easterners. Summary Describe the major issues with water and oil as environmental problems in the Middle East. (2 paragraphs) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Southwest Asia in Review Water Situation Water is a natural resource that is distributed unevenly in Southwest Asia. Turkey and Iraq have major rivers that provide enough water for farming communities. Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. Israel, Syria, and Jordan share the Jordan River. Water Situation The climate of most Southwest Asian countries tends to be hot and dry. Because moun