A nuclear Middle East: A few words from the US rattle Israel’s “nuclear ambiguity”

Is that a nuke or are you happy to see me?

For decades, Israel has relied on “strategic ambiguity” regarding the posession of nuclear weapons, neither confirming or denying their existence when rumours (or worse) would surface. Of course, hardly anyone took that as a “no,” though Israel could always press its case against the nuclear proliferation of neighbouring states Iraq and Iran (the nerve!). But in the post-Saddam era, calls by the US to prevent the proliferation of (dramatic pause) weapons of mass production in the face of such coyness only hardened Muslim and Arab countries against such disarmament (and drone parity).

All that changed in the last two weeks when US officials (junior ones, we are reminded) made repeated references to Israel’s nuclear capability. The references were a call for India and Pakistan, as well as Israel, to begin reducing and eventually eliminating their nuclear capabilities and accept International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. “India, Israel and Pakistan may join the NPT only as non-nuclear-weapon states,” said Jackie Sanders, ambassador of the Conference on Disarmament. “The United States continues to support …the achievement of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.”

The Israelis have reacted quietly or indignantly to the news, perhaps hoping US President George W. Bush will still certify the lack of evidence for nuclear weapons in Israel’s next miltary aid package. And while Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon lunches with Bush in Texas, the man responsible for starting it all (nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu) faces a return to jail for… erm… starting it all.

But most importantly, the US pursuit of Iran’s nukes are giving the US accusations of double standards. Outside observers are already beginning to insist that the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty be stronger (and fairer), with Israel included in a “nuclear free zone,” something Israel would be loath to accept without peace treaties and diplomatic recognition (which neighbours, of course, would be loath to provide without their land back).

Zahed Amanullah is associate editor of altmuslim.com. He is based in London, England.