The 45th conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency ended in Austria few days ago. All participants, in the final statement of the conference, agreed on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the enforcement of international regulations with regard to nuclear weapons in order to ensure global peace and security while restricting the use of atomic power to peaceful purposes.
The five-day conference discussed many topics but debated long and hard the proposal submitted by Egypt which calls for total enforcement of regulations that control nuclear installations in the Middle East including Israel’s. Egypt’s proposal was supported by all the participants.
The resolution also emphasized on the necessity to have the Middle East free of mass destruction weapons, including nuclear ones. Despite the flexibility demonstrated by Egypt in the formulation of the final resolution, including understanding the situation of concerned parties, Israel totally rejected the resolution, taking a stand against the world community.
Israel also refused to cooperate or take part in future discussions with regard the proliferation of atomic weapons. The Israeli position did not come as a surprise to anyone, It is pursuing its expansionist policy and keeping with its style is forcing its perception on the region under the umbrella of nuclear deterrent.
Taking into account the recent developments, the terrorists could well escalate their global war by using weapons of mass destruction. And this could well sway Israel to sustain their activities, or rather increase it, in furthering their nuclear capabilities. This in turn would be a direct threat to the international peace not only to the Middle East. This will also leave Israel as the sole atomic power in the heart of the Arab world. Israel is also dedicated in retaining its atomic weapons without any supervision by any international body.
Israel’s actions throw up many questions.
First: Arab and Middle Eastern nations will not accept, under any circumstance, for Israel to be the only atomic power in the region, which is against proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Second: It is evident that no other country in the region possesses nuclear deterrent capabilities as that possessed by Israel.
Third: In the event of a nuclear war in the Middle East, it is clear that only one party will prevail and in order to stop a nuclear conflagration in any part of the world, the international community should deter atomic nations from conflicts.
Fourth: It is logical that the Arab states and others in the Middle East to fear a likelihood of a nuclear war. The trigger of this war could even be by mistake, where an accident push of the button could cause a catastrophe. It should be noted that Israel has resorted to use of nuclear means twice — the first when they planted atomic mines in the Golan Heights and then in Naqab in October 1973 and in 1991 respectively.
Fifth: It is clear that there isn’t technology advanced enough to deter a party or parties through a rapid or short attack. Further, if a party lacks the capability of defending itself against attack by another party, both parties are destined to end up losers.
Israel, however, still believes that the atomic alternative should be there despite international calls and endeavors to keep the region and the world free from destructive weapons, including atomic ones. Therefore, the undercurrent of a nuclear war is still alive and the Arab states along with others in the Middle East will have to form an alliance and develop an atomic strategy so as to alter the balance of power in the region. In brief, the Arab world will have to develop a nuclear deterrent that would nullify the Israeli capability without attempting a final response so as to make Israel rethink its policies.
