Publication

This paper discusses the threat posed to the Middle East by radiological weapons, or munitions designed to spread radioactive material with the intent to kill and cause disruption. The author discusses 1) what radiological weapons are and the threat they pose; 2) the research and development on radiological weapons which took place in the US in the post-WWII period; 3) the measures which Israel has taken to defend itself against enemies who have threatened to wield such weapons; 4) the radiological weapon threat posed by the so-called Islamic State; and 5) how "peaceful nuclear facilities" have the potential to create material for radiological weapons. He concludes that the omission of Iran's radioisotope production capacity in the July 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement, and the Syrian government's inability to control critical nuclear sites, are a grave regional security concern.