(Washington Post) Editorial - Syria holds one of the largest stockpiles of chemical weapons in the Middle East, composed of blister and nerve agents, including sarin. It is believed to have sought out the deadliest nerve agent ever created, VX. The chemicals have been weaponized in aerial bombs, missile warheads and artillery shells. There is a danger that they will be up for grabs as the regime's power crumbles. One drop of sarin can kill an adult. Thirteen people died and hundreds were injured when the nerve agent was released on Tokyo subway cars in 1995 by the Aum Shinrikyo cult. One can only imagine the terror and uncertainty that would follow the disappearance of sarin shells or warheads from Syria. If Syria begins to crack up, international intervention may be required on an emergency basis. Russia ought to see that controlling these weapons is in its interest, too, and join in the planning. One reason for the U.S. and others to begin planning now for what to do with Syria's chemical weapons is to keep Israel from acting unilaterally.
2012-07-20 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive