Final answer:
Water is a crucial resource in the Middle East due to the region's arid climate, large populations, and geopolitical concerns. Methods such as flash flood capture and accessing underground aquifers have developed to address this scarcity. However, tensions arising from control over these resources continue to pose challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water is an extremely valuable resource in the Middle East due to its scarcity and the intense demand for it. The arid climate in North Africa and Southwest Asia cause these regions to face a severe shortage of fresh water. Human settlements have always been established near available water sources, making access to fresh water critical for survival and development of societies.
The Middle Eastern countries have developed various ingenious methods to harness and conserve water, such as infrastructure for capturing flash floods, and taking mining operations to underground aquifers for water. Wealthier nations like Saudi Arabia have been able to tap into underground aquifers and have invested heavily in desalination processes. However, the majority of the Arabian Peninsula is a desert, creating a constant scarcity of water.
Adding to the concern, the high urban population concentrations raise issues of sustainability and strain the existing resources. Control and access to water resources have been contentious issues in the region, like in Israel and the West Bank, underlining the vital role of water resources in geopolitical strategies and conflicts. Some countries are even at an risk of water shortages, exacerbating potential conflicts within or between nations.
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