On the brink of a global conflict

Middle East: Some analysts believe Israel continues to occupy the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in 1967, in order to ensure control over water resources.

Palestinian communities in Jordan Valley claim they are frequently denied permits to restore old wells or dig new ones, while the UN says the water system in the Gaza Strip is on the verge of collapse.

North Africa: The battle for control of the life-giving waters of the Nile, which flows through 10 countries, has gone on for centuries. Sparking protests from Egypt and Sudan, Ethiopia has joined Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania in signing a treaty on equitable sharing of the Nile. Historic deals had given Egypt and Sudan veto over upstream projects that could affect water flow.