The Nuclear Question in the Middle East Summary Report

In early 2010, CIRS began work on “The Nuclear Question in the Middle East” research initiative. While the world community’s attention may currently be drawn to Iran’s nuclear program, the CIRS project aims to take a far more comprehensive and expansive look at the issue across the region. During working group meetings that took place in Doha, CIRS engaged with a number of academics and specialists who were invited to contribute individual chapters to a book on The Nuclear Question in the Middle East (Columbia University Press/Hurst, 2012). This Summary Report highlights the participants' discussions about balancing the need for civilian nuclear technology against the concerns of weaponization programs. Among other issues discussed by the working group were matters related to global security, regional mistrust, the prestige of gaining nuclear capabilities, and the role of NGOs and civil society groups in pressuring governments to abstain from nuclear energy initiatives.