Turkey is going through a transition period and trying to realize its potential. The Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) is an integrated development project; it is expected to affect the entire structure of the area in its economic, social and cultural life. It is envisaged as the means of bridging the gap between the southeastern region and the more advanced areas of Turkey and of increasing the welfare of the region. The GAP Project has caused great anxiety to Syria and Iraq. In order to solve the water problem between Syria and Iraq, Turkey launched a 'Three Stage Plan'. Turkey considers the issue as an economic rather than a political one.