The Worst or the Best Treaty? Analysing the Equitable and Reasonable Utilization Principle in the Legal Arrangements of the Helmand River

Abstract After protracted conflicts, Afghanistan and Iran agreed on a treaty in 1973 to share the waters of Helmand River. However, this legal arrangement became source controversy over its equitable reasonable utilization principle. The River Water Treaty reflects history political strongly contrasting views, with some labelling it “worst” others “best”. This paper scrutinizes arrangements within underlying context search for evidence aforementioned findings indicate that provides grey space legality illegality, being greatly restricted instrument uphold principle equity. Examination equity contributes developing constructive offers valuable lessons other international watercourses facing similar challenges.