Chemical Weapons: The legacy of Operation Desert Storm. Final report

Technical Report · Fri Jun 21 00:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:5345272

Henscheid, M R

United States and allied forces deploying in the 1991 War in the Persian Gulf region faced a formidable Iraqi offensive chemical weapons capability. This threat immediately challenged U.S. policy and resolve as outlined in the 1990 bilateral chemical weapons treaty with the Soviet Union. The necessity to assess retaliatory options, in the event of Iraqi chemical use, was apparent, and are evaluated in this analysis. The proliferation of chemical weapons worldwide, disarmament efforts, and chemical defense readiness are also reviewed in the context of the 1991 Gulf War. The conclusion that retaliation by conventional means alone as the only acceptable alternative supporting the presidential goal of increased stability in the Middle East is reached. Prospects for revitalized post-war multilateral chemical disarmament efforts, and a reduction in chemical warfare proliferation are also assessed. Recommendations for a post-war national chemical defense policy are made.

• Research Organization: Naval War Coll., Newport, RI (United States). Dept. of Operations
• OSTI ID: 5345272
• Report Number(s): AD-A-236500/5/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARABIAN SEA
ARMS CONTROL
ASIA
CHEMICAL WARFARE
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS
CONVENTIONAL WARFARE
COOPERATION
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
EUROPE
INDIAN OCEAN
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
IRAN
IRAQ
MIDDLE EAST
MILITARY STRATEGY
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NORTH AMERICA
PERSIAN GULF
POLITICAL ASPECTS
PROLIFERATION
SEAS
STABILITY
SURFACE WATERS
TREATIES
USA
USSR
WARFARE
WEAPONS