Nuclear Policies Enigmas

Since probably 2000, the United States has not fulfilled any "obligations" under the promises given in 1995 and 2000 NPT RevComs and resolutions by General Assembly on the importance of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. In fact, from numerous statements, it seems that the United States does not believe that a nuclear-weapon-free zone can solve any problems in the Region. On the other hand, the states in the region of the Middle East, in particular members of the League of Arab States with a support from the Non-Aligned Movement, believe that such a zone could solve a nuclear puzzle in the region and bring peace and security.

The United States and other Western states call on global efforts promote and follow policies of non-proliferation of nuclear materials, related technology and of course nuclear weapons. Non-proliferation is the highest priority even for those promoting international multilateral fuel cycles. On the other hand, we have Syria right in the center of the Middle East developing nuclear reactor capable of producing materials for nuclear weapons.

According to the NPT (treaty on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons), Syria has the right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy and a nuclear reactor too! Similarly, the United States under the treaty promised to pursue general and complete disarmament.

I call these two situations nuclear policies enigmas. Policies of double-triple-quadruple interpretation of existing international obligations and law as well as lack of interest in international cooperation seem to dominate international disarmament and non-proliferation doctrine. We finally need to do something about it and not let the world blow just because of some childish power play!