Description: The Middle East is a hot spot of proliferation and it is the world region that witnessed the most frequent and severe employment of chemical weapons since the end of World War I. Notwithstanding, not a single arms control regime concerning weapons of mass destruction (WMD) covers the region as a whole. This volume, written under the auspices of the EU Consortium for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, determines the current state of diplomatic efforts to establish a WMD free zone in the Middle East. In doing so, it provides insights into central actors' conflicting political positions, thereby explaining the stalemate of efforts to negotiate a WMD-free zone.
Review Quotes: 'A Middle East free of nuclear, and other weapons of mass destruction, has been discussed for nearly forty long years without fruition. This impressive volume by stellar contributors provides valuable insights into the politics and modalities not only for policy makers, but also for every reader interested in peace in the region.' Tariq Rauf, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Sweden 'Urgent action is needed to rid the Middle East of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, but the obstacles to constructive action are formidable. MÃ1/4ller and MÃ1/4ller have assembled the most authoritative, diverse, and creative set of ideas available for overcoming these obstacles. Anyone who is interested in gaining a better understanding of the requirements for peace and stability in the Middle East should read this book.' Martin B. Malin, Harvard University, USA