The Stream, May 22: Water, Food Crisis Driving Instability in Yemen

The European Union will provide additional humanitarian aid to Yemen this year to help relieve a water, food and fuel crisis that threatens to further destabilize the conflict-torn country, Reuters reported, citing the EU humanitarian aid chief Kristalina Georgieva.

Food and water are also growing scarce in Timbuktu in northern Mali, ever since rebels took control of the area amid political chaos caused after a military coup in March, according to Reuters.

Pressed with a worsening water crisis, Zimbabwe will start requiring all borehole owners — including companies, drillers and water bottling companies — to register their boreholes with the government, Voice of America reported. The lack of constant supply and safe drinking water is the main reason behind recurring epidemics of water borne diseases like typhoid and cholera in the country.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration is considering Pakistan’s charges that an Indian hydroelectric project on the Kishanganga River violates Pakistan’s water rights, the South Asian News Agency reported.

The promise of big copper, coal and gold riches is driving an unprecedented mining boom in Mongolia, according to NPR. Its economy grew at more than 17 percent in 2011, which is nearly twice as fast as China’s.

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