BASIC's executive director, Paul Ingram authored this piece for Open Democracy. While the outlook for peace in the Middle East remains bleak, there are several factors in the region that may bring forth a sense of stability. Many states in the region have shown restraint and caution over making extreme military moves that would result in a conflict. Ingram indicates that the Conference on a Zone Free of WMD in the Middle East, due to take place late 2012, may bring major players in the region to the same negotiating table and help stablise relations on proliferation issues.
2011
A ‘Game-Changer’ in Iran?
BASIC's executive director Paul Ingram explains that the recent release of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report containing more details on Iran's alleged nuclear weaponization activities will not be a “game changer”.
The Future of NATO’s Nuclear Weapons
Amb. Rolf Nikel explains Germany's approach to questions surrounding tactical nuclear weapons based in Europe in light of NATO's Strategic Concept, and Deterrence and Defense Posture reviews.
Question Time: Britain’s nuclear choices and the context
Using the Question Time format, audience members were invited to submit questions on the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons posture and plans on October 31.
Beyond the UK: Trends in the Other Nuclear Armed States
This first BASIC Trident Commission briefing outlines recent worrying developments in the nuclear force structures of the world’s nuclear armed states. It argues that “the evidence points to a new era of global nuclear force modernisation and growth”.
Workshop on WMD-free zone in Middle East
Plans are afoot for a major conference next year on a WMD Free Zone in the Middle East. BASIC held a small workshop in Malta for officials and experts in the region on the key issues involved, and here we publish the facilitator’s key issues from the meeting.
IAEA and Iran
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold its fall Board meeting this week, and as usual Iran’s nuclear program will be on the agenda. Though some news reports have played up the Agency’s latest assessment as final proof that Iran is on the fast track to a nuclear weapon, others have pointed out that the IAEA’s indicators reveal a program that is moving more slowly
Revising NATO’s Nuclear Posture: The Way Forward
Dr Oliver Meier argues that NATO’s Strategic Concept did not live up to the expectations put forward earlier under U.S. President Barack Obama’s Prague Agenda. Meier proposes four steps that the Alliance should take through the ongoing Deterrence and Defense Posture Review (DDPR) in order to improve its nuclear stance.