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This essay attempts to be at once a comment on some of the many significant points raised in Professor Wolfinger's article and a statement of a perspective on the issue of the “nonissue” in community power analysis. It is not, however, intended as another salvo in the “elitist-pluralist controversy.”The dispute between “elitists,” “pluralists,” “neo-elitists,” “neopluralists?” et al. has been much with us. A number of valuable ideas regarding approaches and methods for power analysis have, of course, emerged from the debate, especially in its earlier stages. With them, however, seems to have come a conspicuous friction which, I believe, increasingly impedes research. The main problem, as it strikes this noncombatant, is that each side has been reluctant to grant much to the other, while the language has been painfully polemical at times. To one who has learned from both camps and wants to advance the assault on persistent problems rather than on each other, the quarrel has become unfortunate. Debating points often obfuscate truly important issues for power analysis.

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A potentially severe problem is emerging in the Middle East—the threat of major water shortages. This developing issue is likely to exacerbate already strained relations between states in the region. A number of aspects of this crisis can be illustrated through an examination of one river system, the Jordan. Proceeding from this example, the first steps can be taken toward an effective theory of issues and water conflicts. Application of this theoretical framework reveals that the water issue means different things to different actors. Water is a highly complex, fragmented issue, which possesses special qualities that distinguish it from other foreign relations determinants. While water is not usually an issue to some actors, under conditions of severe shortage it is highly conflict-prone. Yet the water issue paradoxically is also a possibly unique vehicle for cooperation if the parties view that as the only possible solution.