Iran-Water Resources Research

Iran-Water Resources Research

Analyzing the Iran-Afghanistan Water Dispute in the Hirmand (Helmand) River Basin: A Sustainable Solution Using the GMCR Decision Support System

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Master's Degree Graduated, Water Science and Engineering, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Water Science and Engineering, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.
Abstract
Access to water resources is one of the most challenging issues of this century, which can be central to many future developments in the world. One of the most common causes of disputes between neighboring countries is the disagreement over the exploitation, ownership, or sovereignty of border rivers. The current research was conducted with the aim of analyzing the water dispute between Iran and Afghanistan in the Hirmand River basin and providing a sustainable solution using game theory. Conflict modeling and analysis were done using the GMCR decision support system. After identifying the players and their options, 256 states were created to maintain the balance, of which 40 were identified as possible or feasible states. In the next step, by solving non-cooperative games and prioritizing strategies by decision-makers, 5 potential outcomes were identified. After the final analysis of the model, the strongest and most desirable state among the possible conflict states was identified. This state involves the Iranian government supporting the optimal cultivation of strategic crops in Afghanistan, while also providing engineering services for the development of Afghanistan's water infrastructure. In turn, the Afghan government would cooperate by recognizing the Iranian government's claims and releasing the Iranian water rights.
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  • Receive Date 05 March 2024
  • Revise Date 20 July 2024
  • Accept Date 22 July 2024