Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

The danger of weapons proliferation in the Middle East

By Julie Bishop - posted Thursday, 26 July 2012


This makes it vitally important for a negotiated end to the conflict in Syria.

Russia will be held responsible for the outcome, given that it has vetoed the recent efforts of the United Nations Security Council to place Assad under greater pressure.

While Russia must play a crucial role in any settlement in Syria, if large-scale loss of life is to be avoided Russia will need to put more pressure on President Assad than has been the case to date.

Advertisement

Iran is another factor in the Syrian conflict. The Assad regime has been a key strategic partner of Iran and has allowed Iran to provide ongoing support to Hezbollah.

There is considerable uncertainty as to how Iran will react to any collapse of the regime in Syria although it is safe to assume that it will not be supportive of any new government that it views as potentially hostile to its interests.

While the fate of the Assad regime and its stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons will be watched closely in coming weeks and months, other nations in the Middle East are taking steps to increase their military capability.

The Government of Saudi Arabia is reportedly negotiating with China to buy ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

This development follows reports that Saudi Arabia has also reached in-principle agreement with the Government of Pakistan for the purchase of one or more nuclear weapons.

If these reports are accurate, it can be assumed that the Saudi Government is taking steps to defend itself against Iran, should that nation develop nuclear weapons.

Advertisement

The troubling aspect of the Saudi manoeuvre is that if it obtains a nuclear weapon then Iran could seek to justify the open pursuit of an Iranian nuclear weapons program.

It would also make it more difficult for the United States and Israel to justify an attack on the Iranian nuclear facilities if they were simultaneously turning a blind eye to a Saudi Arabian purchase.

The Iranian regime could prevent further escalation of regional tensions by first agreeing to cooperate fully with the inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency and dispelling international suspicions about its nuclear program.

There can be no excuse for failing to allow inspectors if, as the Iranians claim, the nuclear program is entirely for peaceful purposes.

Any proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East risks putting the region on a slippery slope towards eventual use.

That would have profound implications for global peace and security throughout the world.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

19 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Julie Bishop is the Federal Member for Curtin, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Julie Bishop

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Julie Bishop
Article Tools
Comment 19 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy