Dr. Gail Holst-Warhaft is Professor of European Studies, Cornell University, USA, Dr. Tammo Steenhuis is Professor of of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, USA

• Part I The Cultural Background; Chapter 1 Losing Paradise, GailHolst-Warhaft; Chapter 2 Water Policy as a Gospel of Redemption, GasparMairal; Chapter 3 Water, Culture, and Civilization in the Italian Mediterranean, Eriberto Eulisse; Part II Law, War, and Water; Chapter 4 The Right to Have Water, Keith Porter; Chapter 5 Water Resources and Conflict in Lebanon, Nadim Farajalla; Part III Managing a Scarce Resource; Chapter 6 Options for Sustainable Water Management in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas, Tammo Steenhuis; Chapter 7 Alternative Regional Water Management for Conflict Resolution in the Middle East, Zeyad Makramreh; Chapter 8, Symeon Christodoulou; Chapter 9 Water and Geology in the Mediterranean, George Stournaras; Chapter 10 Water Conservation in Egypt, Nicholas S.Hopkins; Chapter 101 Conclusion;

'Losing Paradise is part wake up call, part haunting love cry for all who love the area's soul. A wonderful, important book.' Maude Barlow, Senior Advisor on Water to the President of the United Nations General Assembly 'This is one of the most informative, readable, and interesting books I have ever read on the broader cultural and social aspects of water management and use. I highly recommend this book to everyone involved in the planning and management of water at every scale.' Peter Loucks, Cornell University, USA