伊甸园否认 ： 伊拉克南部边境地区的环境恶化 ， 非法活动和不稳定

Summary

Overview:

The report "Eden Denied: Environmental Decay, Illicit Activities, and Instability in Iraq's Southern Border Area" by Harith Hasan examines the deteriorating conditions in Basra Governorate, Iraq, particularly focusing on environmental degradation, illicit economies, and instability. The region's agricultural backbone has been severely impacted by reduced water supplies, pollution, and climate change, leading to significant social, economic, and political changes.

Key Themes:

1. Environmental Crisis: The region, historically known for its fertile lands and abundance of waterways, faces a severe crisis due to declining water supplies and expanding desertification. This has decimated agriculture, once the primary economic activity.

2. Inefficacy in Transboundary Governance: Iraq and Iran's failure to adopt a coordinated approach towards environmental issues has exacerbated the situation. Disputes over water, oil revenue-focused development strategies, and historical conflicts have worsened the region's condition.

3. Social and Economic Impact: The decline in agriculture has reshaped social conditions, driving rural migration, increasing unemployment, and poverty. This has fueled the expansion of informal and illicit economies alongside the growth of violent groups.

4. Geopolitical Dynamics: The uneven relationship between Iran and Iraq, particularly influenced by Iran's regional ambitions and its support for non-state and parastate armed groups, sustains the status quo. This relationship is characterized by Tehran's pursuit of hegemony, often at the expense of Iraqi sovereignty.

Findings and Recommendations:

1. Collaborative Efforts: Iraq and Iran should prioritize cooperation on addressing shared environmental and socioeconomic challenges over other interests, such as security concerns. This could start with developing a joint policy for managing water scarcity and combating climate change.

2. Addressing Illicit Trade: Both countries need to tackle the threat posed by illicit trade and smuggling, notably narcotics trafficking. Iran must reconsider its support for Iraqi non-state and parastate actors benefiting from illicit trade, which challenges Baghdad's authority.

3. Reform of Border Security: Iran's view of its border with Iraq as a conduit for exporting military, economic power, and ideology is likely to exacerbate border issues. A new definition of security in the border zone that includes human security and environmental sustainability could be beneficial.

4. Humanitarian and Environmental Focus: National security strategies should be reevaluated to incorporate human security and environmental sustainability, acknowledging the interdependence of these aspects for long-term stability.

Conclusion:

The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and cooperative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges in Iraq's southern border area. Without intervention, the region faces escalating instability with far-reaching implications for Iraq and the broader Middle East.