Syria pushes WMD-free Mideast

Libya's decision to abandon its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs has helped resurrect an Arab call for a Middle East free of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.

Syria and Israel, bitter enemies, are coming under intensified pressure to give up their WMD programs. But neither country is likely to comply before a regional peace treaty is signed, analysts say. And with Saudi Arabia reportedly considering acquiring nuclear weapons, prospects for an imminent WMD-free zone in the volatile region look bleak.

The United Nations Security Council meets Monday at the request of Arab nations to discuss a Syrian proposal to abolish WMD from the Middle East. The draft, which was first submitted in March, calls for implementation of two previous resolutions "aimed at freeing the Middle East region of all weapons of mass destruction." It also urges Middle East states to sign international treaties barring the spread of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.

"We have been pursuing this for years because we believe it's the only solution for the Middle East to be truly peaceful and stable," says Bouthaina Shaaban, Syrian minister for emigrants' affairs.

The immediate intention of Syria and other Arab countries is to score political points against Israel.

"Israel is under a great deal of international scrutiny - its treatment of the Palestinians, the construction of the separation barrier, and the general mood in the West that Israel is a bully," says Michael Young, a Lebanese political analyst. "There is a political gain for Syria in saying that 'Israel has nuclear weapons, but we don't. So why don't you go after Israel.' "

Syria has aimed its proposal at Israel, which is believed to be the only country in the Middle East to possess nuclear weapons. Israel refuses to confirm or deny the claim and is not party to treaties banning WMD.

"We believe that the reason Israel is not paying attention is because of the weakness of the international order," Ms. Shaaban says. "If [the international community] was strong and believed in justness, it would treat all countries equally. If the US decides at this moment to take a leading role in the Middle East and treat countries fairly, and the UN takes a strong role, then I don't see why Israel should not give up its nuclear weapons. It's up to the international community now to say what is right."

Syria, though more frequently criticized for its support of alleged terrorist organizations, is also facing renewed pressure from the United States over its suspected WMD.

President Bush earlier this month signed the Syria Accountability Act, which provides for sanctions against Damascus unless it fulfills a number of measures, including renouncing its support for terrorist organizations, abandoning its WMD programs, and entering peace talks with Israel.

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