The crisis stems from Turkey's upstream control over the Deklath and Froth through its extensive dam network. When Turkey restricts water flow, Iraq suffers severe drought and water shortages. When it releases massive quantities of water at once, Syria bears the brunt of destructive floods that devastate civilians, infrastructure, and agricultural lands along the riverbanks.
After seven years dominated by the first scenario — suffocation through drought — Turkish authorities recently opened all the floodgates of the Atatürk Dam, the largest dam on the Euphrates River, following heavy rainfall and snowfall during the winter and spring seasons.
The release sent massive volumes of water surging toward the Syrian city of Jarablus. Observers noted that the decision was driven by fears over the dam's structural safety and the possibility of infrastructure failure due to rising water pressure, with clear disregard for the effect on Syrians and Iraqis.
Comment: Details of the second from Earthquake Track: