Iraq blames neighbors for water shortage

BAGHDAD – Iraq's Cabinet minister in charge of managing water resources says Iraq is suffering from a water shortage because of the policies of neighboring countries and insufficient winter rainfall. Abdul-Latif Jamal Rasheed says Iraqis are seeking a "sufficient and fair share of water" from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Rasheed says neighboring Turkey and Iran have built large number of dams and reservoirs on tributaries of the two rivers. He refused to say whether the two countries' water policies are politically motivated. He spoke to reporters Wednesday. In March, Turkish President Abdullah Gul promised during a visit to Baghdad to increase the amount of water released into the Tigris as it flows through Turkey. - AP