ABSTRACT

Concern about the ramifications of conventional and nonconventional weapons proliferation in the Middle East increased well before the Gulf crisis both inside and beyond the region. More generally, the Middle East has been plagued for many years by zero-sum thinking. The aftermath of the Gulf War seems to comprise an ideal setting for overcoming some of these difficulties and for launching a meaningful arms control process in the Middle East. The peace process launched in Madrid creates a unique opportunity, as well as an unprecedented need, to apply arms control and confidence-building measures in the Middle East. Third, the United States, which has taken upon itself the responsibility of addressing the consequences of Iraq's military strength, seems more determined than in the past to attempt to construct a regime for arms control, confidence building and regional security that might render direct American military intervention less necessary in the future.