Security Concerns Surround Syrian Chemical Arsenal

The security of Syria's arsenal of chemical weapons could be at risk as President Bashar Assad continues a violent crackdown on protests against his government, the Washington Post reported last week (see GSN, Aug. 25). Syria is believed to hold tons of various chemical warfare materials, notably the nerve agent sarin, that could be carried by Scud missiles and other delivery systems. The lethal stockpile, dating to the 1970s, apparently is intended to counter nuclear-armed Israel. The weapons are overseen by the Assad regime's security sector. However, there is the risk that the materials could be diverted if the security services collapse in the face of a revolt like that seen in Libya, according to experts (see GSN, Aug. 26). "A lot of people are watching this closely," said one informed U.S. security source...