Denuclearization of the Middle East.

- Tanmoy Dutta
Class- X(A)

A quick overlook :
One of the most sought-after prizes in international disarmament and non-proliferation
tactfulness is a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). In such a
con ict-ridden area with a history of mistrust and animosity since the past, the prospect of
renewed WMD use is all too possible and the outcome is too dangerous for the near
future. For these reasons, a WMD-free zone in the Middle East is not only an aspirational
goal but a matter of practical urgency. The idea of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the
Middle East is not a new one and, indeed, had been proposed by many diplomats decades
ago but had failed miserably.

A timeline of how middle east was introduced with the prospect of nuclear weapons:
1949: The Israel Defence Forces nd sources of uranium in the Negev desert.
1950s: Iran’s nuclear program begins with U.S. assistance as part of the “Atoms for
Peace” program, under U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration.
1953: Iran launches a civilian nuclear program initiative with the aim of reaching nuclear
cooperation agreements with other nuclear-capable states.
1955: The United States agrees to sell Israel a small nuclear research reactor.
1957: Israel begins work on the Negev Nuclear Research Facility which would become the
foundation for Israel’s nuclear program in the following years. France begins to build a
reactor and helps Israel.
1959: The Tehran Nuclear Research Centre (TNRC) is established at Tehran University.
1960s: Steps to establish a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East begin.

Although nuclear-weapon-free zones share some basic characteristics, each zone typically
has a number of distinctive features. This evolutionary process, in which new zones
typically add to and often improve on prior zones, suggests that notwithstanding major
internal and external barriers, it may be possible to negotiate additional zones. Possible
lessons to be derived from the experience of prior zones include:
1. Promote Greater Cooperation and Information Sharing.
2. Si Vis Pacem, Para Pacem (If you want peace, prepare for peace).
3. Utilize Regional Organizations If Present.
4. Treat Domestic and International Political Change as Opportunities.
5. Do Not Wait for Holdout States.
6. Promote Greater Engagement by Civil Society.

Several Milestones, Little Progress

The pursuit of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East dates back decades and has moved
slowly, with a variety of states creating periodic initiatives to revitalize the process. The
concept of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East was rst proposed in the 1970s, but it has
been dif cult to implement due to the region’s complex political and security dynamics.
The initiative has been further complicated by the fact that some countries in the region
possess WMD, while others are suspected of having them. In addition, the region is home
to a number of non-state actors, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which have access to
WMD. In recent years, there have been some positive developments in the effort to create
a WMD-free zone in the Middle East. In 2010, the United Nations Security Council
unanimously adopted Resolution 1540, which calls on all states to refrain from developing,
acquiring, or transferring WMD. In 2013, the United States and Russia proposed a joint
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initiative to create a WMD-free zone in the Middle East, and in 2015, the United Nations
General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the establishment of such a zone.
Despite these developments, there are still signi cant challenges to creating a WMD-free
zone in the Middle East. One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of trust between the
countries in the region. This has been exacerbated by the ongoing con ict in Syria, which
has further strained relations between the countries in the area. In addition, there is a lack
of consensus on the scope of the WMD-free zone, with some countries wanting it to
include all WMD and others only wanting it to include nuclear weapons. Finally, there is the
issue of veri cation. Without a reliable veri cation system, it will be dif cult to ensure that
countries in the region are complying with the terms of the WMD-free zone. This is a
particularly dif cult challenge, as it requires the cooperation of all the countries in the area.

Is a World Without Nuclear Weapons Really Possible?

A movement known as Global Zero has gained the strength to attempt just that. But how to
rid the world of nukes? And how to do so safely? A nuclear-abolition treaty could
constructively contribute to global stability if done right, but it could be hazardous if done
wrong. Among other things, it could make countries that depend on America’s military
protection decide they should seek nuclear weapons of their own. The Global Zero
movement could wind up sparking the very wave of nuclear proliferation and instability it
was designed to prevent.

The Plan for Global Zero

The Global Zero Action Plan is a comprehensive set of actions to achieve the elimination
of all nuclear weapons worldwide. It was developed by Global Zero, an international
movement of 300 world leaders, national security experts, and concerned citizens who
believe that nuclear weapons are a threat to global security and that their elimination is
essential. The plan outlines steps that can be taken by governments, international
organizations, and civil society to reduce and ultimately eliminate nuclear weapons.
Central to the plan is the establishment of a phased and veri able process to eliminate all
nuclear weapons by 2030. This process includes steps such as reducing stockpiles of
nuclear weapons, instituting veri cation mechanisms, and establishing international
treaties and forums to support the process. The plan also includes speci c steps to
address the risk of proliferation, strengthen nuclear security, and create an environment of
trust and cooperation.
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