Water for Peace in the Jordan River Watershed
Publisher: Natural Resources Journal Vol 33
Author(s): Aaron Wolf
Date: 1993
Topics: Cooperation, Renewable Resources
Countries: Israel, Jordan, Palestine
Legend has it that the headwaters of the Jordan RIver were originally three separate streams flowing in various directions, and quarreling constantly over which was the largest and most improtant. Finally, the streams invited the Lord of the Universe to judge between them. The Lord descended and seated himself on a small hill between them which, even today is known as Tel Dan or Tel el-Kadi: "Hill of the Judge" in both Hebrew and Arabic. "Rivers! ye are dear to Me, all three. Hearken to My Counsel: Unite Together and Ye will indeed be the most improtant. And so the Jordan was formed.
On and off since regional water talks began in May 1992 in Vienna in the context of multilateral negotiations between Arabs and Israelis, the inhabitants of both banks of the River have been meeting to see if they can follow similar advice.