After years of discord, peace in the Middle East now seems close at
hand. But the hope of a settlement stands on much shakier ground
than the participants suspect, says scientist Daniel Hillel. What
they don't see, and what most observers overlook, is that the
severely wounded environment of the region threatens to undercut
any long-lasting accord. The widespread destruction of vegetation
and natural habitats, the erosion of uplands, the desertification
of semiarid areas, waterlogging and salinization of valleys, and,
most of all, the depletion and pollution of precious water
resources--no political formula will promote lasting peace in the
Middle East, argues Hillel, unless it addresses these ills.
In Rivers of Eden, Hillel examines this natural crisis and
explores its crucial role in the political and economic future of
this troubled region. He shows how environmental degradation,
exacerbated by an uncontrolled explosion of population, is itself a
cause of strife in the area, dislocating and disorienting countless
people and fomenting despair and extremism. And yet, he adds, since
no one country in the region can solve its water problem alone, the
very cause of conflict is also an inducement for promoting peace.
This hope illuminates Rivers of Eden as it traces the vital issue
of water in the Middle East, ranging from its first appearance in
folklore and religion to the present. As Hillel shows, the history
of civilization in the Middle East is in many ways the story of how
societies in this arid environment managed or mismanaged their land
and water resources. Here we see how this history plays out from
intertribal rivalty (for instance, the legendary "War of Basoos,"
begun over the errant trespass of a thirsty camel), to the choking
of the mighty Nile at Aswan and the slow, salt-poisoned death of
Mesopotamia. From the historical and scientific circumstances of
the region's water resources, Hillel turns to conflicts brewing
even now over the waters of the Euphrates-Tigris, the Nile, the
Jordan, and several groundwater aquifers. The future welfare of the
Middle East, as of many economies around the world, depends on
timely action to resolve these issues. This book offers hope for
such a resolution.
A world renowned environmental scientist, Hillel has worked
throughout the Middle East, as consultant to the governments of
Israel, Pakistan, the Sudan, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and elsewhere,
and as an advisor to the World Bank. He brings first-hand insight
to his account and an urgent concern for the degraded Fertile
Crescent, which he believes can and must be rehabilitated.
Comprehensive, penetrating, and clear, his book compels the
attention of anyone interested in the future of the Middle East and
of the environment at large.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
