Next Steps Towards a Middle East Free of Chemical Weapons

This projects public purpose is to identify, and help build regional support for, next steps that would build upon the recent destruction of Syrian and Libyan chemical weapons, in order to make additional progress towards a Middle East and North Africa (Middle East) that is free of chemical weapons. Next steps will need to address some or all of the following challenges: two Middle Eastern states Egypt and Israel -- are not yet parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC); those Middle Eastern states that are CWC parties have a relatively poor record of implementation; and several Middle Eastern terrorist groups have expressed interest in chemical weapons and at least one has used them. This project will undertake research, convene a strategic dialogue, and prepare a written report with specific recommendations on topics including the following: a) What lessons can be learned from the regional response to, and the successful destruction of, Syrias and Libyas chemical weapons? b) What would it take to persuade Egypt and Israel to adhere to the CWC? c) What specific types of Middle East regional cooperation to prevent, detect and respond to chemical terrorist attacks are feasible in the current political climate? d) How can the international community more effectively encourage and assist Middle Eastern governments and civil society to deter and constrain chemical weapons acquisition and use by non-state actors? The strategic dialogue will consist of a Middle East Chemical Weapons Task Force associated with the Middle East Regional Security and Cooperation Dialogue, which twice each year convenes several hundred officials and experts, from all Middle Eastern countries, to discuss issues of concern on a confidential basis.