Establishing WMD Free Zones in the Middle East: If not now, then when?
One of the most coveted objectives in global diplomacy concerning disarmament and preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is the establishment of a Middle East WMD-free zone (MEWMDFZ).
Given the region's tumultuous history marked by conflict and deep-seated distrust, coupled with instances of chemical weapons deployment in the past, the potential resurgence of WMD utilisation remains alarmingly plausible and concerning.
Given the region's tumultuous history marked by conflict and deep-seated distrust, coupled with instances of chemical weapons deployment in the past, the potential resurgence of WMD utilisation remains alarmingly plausible and concerning.
One critical milestone in this regard is the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The undersigned parties of the NPT agreed to establish a Middle East nuclear-weapon-free zone (MENWFZ) by 2020. However, to date, no significant progress has been seen, and, with recent activities in the area, including Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip and Iran’s attacks on Israel and Israel’s response, promoting disarmament in this area is even more urgent.
The political dynamics and security concerns in the Middle East, including the long-standing Israeli-Arab conflict, have contributed to the complexities surrounding the establishment of a WMD-free zone. Israel, which allegedly possesses nuclear weapons but has never officially confirmed or denied it, is not a party to the NPT.
The United Nations (UN) and other international organisations have been involved in facilitating discussions and promoting dialogue among the countries in the region to advance the idea of a WMD-free zone. However, reaching a comprehensive agreement has proven difficult due to geopolitical tensions, security considerations, and the broader regional political landscape.
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