Link https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iaea-board-draws
Summary
This article focuses on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has officially ended its investigation into Syrias past secret nuclear activities. Under former President Bashar al-Assad, Syria secretly built a nuclear reactor in Deir el Zour with help from North Korea. Israel destroyed the reactor in 2007. After Assad was removed from power Syrias new government began cooperating with IAEA inspectors and allowed them to investigate the suspected nuclear sites. Inspectors also found about 73 tons of natural uranium that is now under international monitoring.
Analysis
This article is important because it shows how the Syrias past actions continue to affect its relationship with the international community. The reactor was never completed but the IAEA found that is was designed in a way that could have produced material for nuclear weapons. This created a security concern not only for Syria but for other countries in the Middle East. The main stakeholders are Syrian, the IAEA, Israel, and other countries in the region. This also shows the importance of international organizations in maintaining security and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. The IAEA was able to investigate Syrias past nuclear activities and make sure the uranium found in Syria is now being monitored. Syrias new government cooperating with the IAEA also shows how changes in government can affect a country’s relationship with the international community. This situation is important because Syrias actions could have affected the security of other countries in the middle east (Israel). It shows how one country’s actions can create international concerns and require cooperation between multiple states and international organizations.
Connection
This connects to IB global politics through power, security, and international relations. Syrias secret nuclear program shows how a state can use its power in ways to affect the security of other states. The involvement of the IAEA also demonstrates how international organizations can influence states and encourage them to follow agreements.