On Thursday, February 21, 2019, the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS), launched its recent research paper titled “Harirud; A study of the Basin”. The purpose of this research is to study one of the most controversial and disputed issues in Afghanistan today, "the water issue" and Harirud River, Herat's main river basin. Distinguished politicians, diplomats, academics, civil society members and media representatives attended the event.
Sayed Ali Hosseini, AISS researcher and the author of the research paper, Najib Aqa Fahim, State Minister for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, Mahmoud Mahmoudi, Head of the Water Management Department of the Ministry of Water and Energy were the speakers of the event. The event was moderated by Abdul Basir Azimi Advisor to Chief Executive of Afghanistan on Commerce and International Cooperation.
First, AISS Researcher, Sayed Ali Hussaini, gave a brief overview of the main findings of the research. The research has looked into Harirud River in terms of three main perspectives, Technical, Legal and Political. The findings show a decrease in the level of Harirud River basin, which does not satisfy the needs of Afghanistan, nor the needs of its neighbors at the lower end of Harirud River, Iran and Turkmenistan. Mr. Hussaini added that reduction of water provides platform for conflict and instability in the region.
Mr. Najib Aqa Fahim spoke about importance of this research. He iterated that there is lack of comprehensive literature on Afghanistan’s surface waters, and the need for a platform to conduct studies on water resources.
Mr. Shah Mahmood Mahmoodi, also emphasized on building strategies and infrastructure to manage surface waters as Afghanistan is affected by Climate Change. Mr. Mahmoodi remarked that Afghanistan’s diplomatic machine lacked capacity to negotiate water management with its neighbors. Though, he added, that Afghanistan government has recently built on its Hydro-Politics capacity, and it can negotiate with its neighbors to resolve water conflict.