BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL WEAPONS ARMS CONTROL IN THE MIDDLE EAST |
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| Authors: | David Friedman |
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| Institution: | 1. Humphrey School of Public Affairs University of Minnesota;2. Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, Bundestag Berlin;3. Indian Council for Social Science Research (affiliated with the Centre for Air Power Studies) New Delhi;4. Executive Director and Head of Research Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis Washington, DC |
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| Abstract: | Nonproliferation policies to prevent biological and chemical weapons use are important, but insufficient, particularly in view of the rise of global terrorism. Given the history of developing and using these weapons, it is crucial that governments properly prepare for biological and chemical threats, whether naturally occurring or man-made, such as by developing and managing effective healthcare infrastructure to mitigate widespread illness and injuries resulting from pandemics or terrorist attacks. Although the Middle East is one of the most sensitive and complex areas in the world—especially regarding regional arms control efforts and prevention—coordinating preparedness strategies among states in the region may be possible. Cooperatively addressing biological and chemical threats could lead to constructive progress towards the otherwise elusive goal of establishing a weapons of mass destruction-free zone in the Middle East. |
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| Keywords: | Middle East Israel Iran Syria biological weapons Biological Weapons Convention chemical weapons |
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