The water threat in Iran
Water scarcity is becoming a source of popular frustration with the government in parts of Iran.
When it comes to public protests in Iran, the first thing that usually comes to mind is politics. These days, there is a new reason: water scarcity. If this situation does not improve, it could turn into a major source of violence and instability in the country. On at least one occasion this year, it already has.
In March, after a week of demonstrations, violent clashes erupted in the town of Varzaneh in Iran’s Esfahan province between protesters and security forces. The clashes led to dozens being injured and more being arrested. The cause was the government decision to divert water from Esfahan province to Yazd province. The protesters saw the move as unfair, as Esfahan province is experiencing a drought. Esfahan’s own famous Zayande Roud river has dried up. My father almost drowned swimming in this river during his teenage years in the 1940s. These days, the river is so dry that you can go horseback riding in the very same spot.
