Intro

As the Middle East braces for another year of extreme heat, climate change is turning the soil to dust in the landscape that has long been known as the fertile crescent — and water has become a new source of conflict.

Alissa J. Rubin, who covers the Middle East, tells the story of Iraq’s water crisis and what it means for the world.

Guest: Alissa J. Rubin, a senior Middle East correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• From 2023: A climate warning from the cradle of civilization.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

Photo: Bryan Denton for The New York Times

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