The future of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation : the case of the Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons

Abstract

A constructive approach towards engaging will all countries in the region of the Middle East is required in order to guarantee full participation in the conference on the subject of a Middle East zone. The conference toward the establishment of such a Zone and the process that follows should be inclusive to allow for a more genuine, candid, and necessary interaction on the critical issues of nuclear disarmament, dismantlement, nuclear roll-back, transparency, accountability, and verification. The region has not witnessed such interaction for many years and all opportunities should be utilized to bring such interaction to fruition. The establishment of a Middle East Zone will aid in achieving international objectives to reach global nuclear disarmament. It will help achieve the international initiative of reaching “global zero” in order to eliminate all nuclear weapons. The Middle East cannot be an exception to the global zero campaign. As such, regional adherence to a Treaty in the Middle East, and the placement of all nuclear facilities in the region under IAEA comprehensive safeguards, is of crucial importance. The paper draws lessons from previous Zones and previous nuclear verification arrangements like EURATOM, which are relevant to a Middle East Zone.