By: Tyler Gripshover NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

WHAT IS DISARMAMENT Disarmament is the reduction and withdraw of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Numerous treaties have been signed world wide in order to stop the development and spread of these weapons including in Africa, Latin America, and in Southeast Asia. The leading and most effective treaty is the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that has been active since 1970 by the United Nations Office Disarmament Affairs.

WHERE Currently in the Middle East, Iran, Pakistan, Israel, and possibly Syria have nuclear weapons. All except Pakistan and Israel have signed the Non- Proliferation Treaty and agreed to stop spreading the production of nuclear weapons. Leading officials Shimon Peres of Israel, and Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan have made a firm stand against signing with others to ensure protection against an attack.

CURRENT NEWS Nuclear development in Iran has already began an arms race in the Middle Eastern countries. Although Iran has agreed to sign treaties to ensure that no nuclear arms will be created, it still allows development in order to increase protection from others. Israeli officials have also confirmed that it will not stop production to ensure protection from possible threats.

UN INVOLVEMENT Since the creation of the UN, disarmament of weapons have been an issue across the globe. Commissions have been conducted in order to prevent the development of weapons of mass destruction. Treaties, including the NPT, have been created by the UN to create more peaceful affairs in the world dealing with nuclear arms.

Today the UN is making efforts to create a nuclear free zone within Iran, Syria, and Israel. Discussion would take time and countless hours of negotiation in order to gain the main goal of further security in the Middle East. Iran has been unsuccessful in gaining a nuclear free zone by continuing to “stonewall” the offers and comply with the Non- Proliferation Treaty.

Several decades have passed and Iran and other nations still have not made efforts to create a disarmed government. The patience of the UN and all of the unarmed nations is tested in todays society, and it is expected that extreme action must be taken in order to fulfill the NPT in the Middle East.

FUTURE OF THE MIDDLE EAST It is proposed that if the UN continues with efforts to reduce nuclear weapons in the Middle East a b righter future may occur if things stay on the right path. Reducing nuclear arms universally will create a growing trust between nations who are unarmed and provide for a more secure environment.

Although disarming these stubborn nations will be a rigorous test of the states that are signed with the NPT, it can provide a better future for all security and trust between foreign nations. Currently, dealings in the Middle East seem as if nothing will be accomplished, however if cautious and constant action is done then possible disarmament will be achieved.