Chapter 35: The Middle East "The Euphrates River" Introduction      You have read that a valuable but scarce resource in the Middle East is water. As countries try to meet their water needs, they may at the same time deprive other countries of this precious resource. The Euphrates River flows through Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, but which country has the strongest claim on this river's water? Destination Title: Water Disputes in the Euphrates-Tigris Basin Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at The Euphrates River Web site. Scroll down the Web page, reading and analyzing the information about the Euphrates River in section A. [NOTE: A "riparian country" is one located on the bank of a natural waterway, such as a river.] Answer the following questions. 1. What percentage of water-flow originates in Turkey, and what percentage does that country hope to use? 2. What are the comparable percentages for Syria and Iraq? 3. Why, according to the report, is it "impossible to meet such a demand"? 4. Suppose you were a mediator for Turkey, Syria, and Iraq in this dispute. Without taking sides, how would you suggest that the parties go about solving this issue?