Iraqi MP Shaima Al-Fatlawi is calling for bold and urgent action to deal with Iraq’s growing water shortage, especially before summer arrives.
She said it’s time to hold the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Water Resources accountable, blaming them for failing to properly manage the country’s water crisis.
Al-Fatlawi explained that Parliament will meet on Monday to discuss Iraq’s relationship with Turkey, focusing on water shortages and past agreements signed between Baghdad and Ankara. According to her, Turkey has not honored those agreements and has failed to release Iraq’s full share of water.
She pointed out that trade between Iraq and Turkey exceeds $15 billion, and said Iraq should use this economic relationship as pressure. Her message was clear: Turkey must respect international agreements and release more than 1,000 cubic meters of water per second into the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Earlier, Iraq’s parliament decided to summon both the water resources and foreign affairs ministers after negotiations with Turkey failed to solve the crisis. Some lawmakers went even further, calling for the cancellation of the recent agreement with Turkey, arguing that it gives Ankara too much control over Iraq’s water supply.
In short, lawmakers are demanding real action—not delays—as Iraq faces a serious water challenge heading into the summer months.
