Media and Government Communication Unit
Within the framework of academic cooperation among Iraqi research centers, researcher Assistant Lecturer Rafal Iyad from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, University of Baghdad, participated with a research paper in the scientific seminar organized by the Department of Public Policies at the Al-Mustansiriya Center for Arab and International Studies, entitled, “Food Security Under Environmental and Political Challenges.”
In her paper, entitled “Water Diplomacy and Its Impact on Food Security in Iraq,” Rafal Iyad examined how the water file has evolved from a technical environmental issue into an instrument of regional political pressure. The paper noted that the decline in Iraq’s water shares as a result of upstream state projects—such as Türkiye’s GAP Project and the Atatürk and Ilisu dams—not only threatens the agricultural sector, but also strikes at the core of food security for the Iraqi citizen.
The paper concluded with several recommendations, including the activation of diplomatic channels and engagement with international organizations to secure equitable water shares, as well as the urgent modernization of dam infrastructure and a comprehensive transition toward modern irrigation technologies, including sprinkler and drip systems, in order to reduce waste.
This participation comes within the context of strengthening scientific cooperation and exchanging expertise and ideas among reputable research centers. It also reflects our Center’s commitment to advancing joint academic dialogue aimed at diagnosing the strategic challenges facing the state and developing scientific solutions that contribute to supporting and shaping public policy.
This participation aims to strengthen scientific cooperation and foster the exchange of expertise among leading research centers.It also reflects our Center’s commitment to advancing joint academic dialogue aimed at identifying the strategic challenges confronting the state and formulating scientific solutions that contribute to supporting and shaping public policy.
