Foreign News: Oil Buys Water

In all the Middle East, Iraq is the only land rich in both oil and water. Saudi Arabia, richer in oil, is water poor. Last week Saudi Arabia announced that its old rival, the Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq, has granted it permission to tap the Iraqi river Euphrates for drinking water. Under their $28 million plan, cleared during King Saud's state visit to Baghdad last May, the oil-rich Saudis will hire international contractors to draw some 35 million gallons daily at a point near the site of ancient Ur, purify it at the riverside plant, and pipe it some 450 miles...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!