The UNSCOM Saga: Chemical and Biological Weapons Non-Proliferation

by Graham S. Pearson

Overview

The Gulf War of 1990-91 saw a real danger that chemical or biological weapons might be used against coalition forces. This authoritative account details the doggedly persistent work of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) on Iraq which was charged with overseeing the destruction of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and with establishing an ongoing verification and monitoring regime to ensure Iraq did not acquire such weapons. Vital lessons are drawn here for international security and for the strengthening of the non-proliferation regimes for both biological and chemical weapons.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780312229597
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	05/26/2000
Series:	Global Issues
Edition description:	1999
Pages:	255
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

Graham S. Pearson is Visiting Professor of International Security at the University of Bradford.

Table of Contents

Introduction
• Developments since UNSCR 687 (1991)
• Countering Proliferation
• Iraq Chemical Weapons Programme
• Iraq Biological Weapons Programme
• An Analysis of UNSCOM
• Countering Chemical and Biological Weapons Proliferation
• Prospects for the Future
• Appendix: United Nations Security Council Resolution 687 (1991)
• Index

Editorial Reviews

Details the work of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) on Iraq, charged with overseeing the destruction of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and with establishing an ongoing verification and monitoring program to ensure that Iraq did not reacquire such weapons. Pearson (international security, U. of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England) discusses lessons learned by the international security community for the strengthening of the non-proliferation regimes for both chemical and biological weapons. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

'...this exceptionally lucid and detailed analysis...provides many lessons for those like myself who are engaged in the global elimination of these weapons.' - Ambassador Jose M. Bustani, Director-General, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, The Hague, The Netherlands

'...indispensable for anyone interested in arms control and how to cope with contemporary and growing threats of chemical and biological warfare.' - Ambassador Rolf Ekeus, Executive Chairman, UNSCOM, 1991-98

'...this volume will be the definitive source on efforts at international enforcement and in particular on UNSCOM's difficult course for many years to come.' - Joshua Lederberg, Nobel Laureate, President Emeritus, Rockefeller University, New York

'...essential reading for all concerned with non-proliferation and arms control.' - Ambassador Tibor Toth, Chairman, Ad Hoc Group

'...essential reading for the next century.' - Professor Sir Michael Atiyah, President, Pugwash, President, Royal Society, 1990-95

'...an excellent well researched book.' - Professor Sir William Stewart, Chief Scientific Adviser, 1990-95

From the Publisher