Publication

This paper provides background information for negotiations on an arms trade treaty (ATT), specifically for regional meetings on the Middle East. The author provides a general overview of international arms transfers to, from and within the Middle East. Further, he examines a number of issues raised by arms transfers: use of arms in conflicts, small arms and light weapons (SALW), and transparency. The author argues that arms transfers and the rapid proliferation of small arms, as well as low levels of transparency, continue to fuel conflicts in the region.