Nuclear-Free Middle East: Obstacles

Israel fears the Iranian nuclear programme. Shi'ite Iran is scared of nuclear-armed Israel and of nuclear-armed Sunni Pakistan. Pakistan feels the need to deter nuclear-armed India. India fears nuclear-armed China. China has nuclear arms to balance Russia and NATO.

The self-sustaining cycle is fuelled more by feelings of insecurity than by aggressive intentions.
The immediate need is for a credible security arrangement.

• See Other Nuclear-Free Zones.
• Prospects for a Nuclear-Free Middle East.
• Historical background