The current, rapidly evolving Syria crisis has led U.S. and international news outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, National Public Radio, CNN, Al Jazeera and Reuters to seek comments from the world’s foremost experts in chemical weapons, threat reduction mechanisms and nonproliferation—many of them found at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) and its James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS). Below are some highlights of the many media appearances by MIIS and CNS experts over the last three days:
September 11
New York Times – “Chemical Disarmament Hard Even in Peacetime”
Amy Smithson, Senior Fellow with CNS in Washington, D.C., and Raymond Zilinskas, MIIS professor and director of the Biological and Chemical Weapons Nonproliferation Program at CNS, are featured prominently in front page article about the challenge of monitoring and securing Assad’s chemical weapons arsenal.
Wall Street Journal – “Dismantling Weapons Poses Logistics, Security Challenges”
Amy Smithson interviewed above the logistics of a diplomatic solution for Syria to surrender its chemical weapons.
Los Angeles Times – “Disarming Syria of Chemical Weapons Highly Complex, Experts Say”
Raymond Zilinskas gives his expert opinion on the challenges of finding and dismantling Syria’s chemical weapons.
MSNBC – “The Cat-and-Mouse Game with Chemical Weapons”
Assistant Professor and CNS Fellow Philipp Bleek assesses the issue for MSNBC.
CNN – “Syria’s Chemical Arsenal at a Glance”
CNN quotes a CNS report about Syria’s chemical agent research, production and arsenal.
Al Jazeera – “Will Syria Give Up Its Chemical Weapons?”
Amy Smithson interviewed by Al Jazeera.
September 10
National Public Radio – “Getting Rid of Syria’s Chemical Weapons Would Be Difficult”
Robert Siegel spoke at length with Amy Smithson on the popular afternoon news magazine, All Things Considered.
KGO Radio – “Newstalk”
CNS Deputy Director Jon Wolfsthal talks about the Syria crisis and the policy challenges facing President Obama ahead of his address to the nation on Tuesday.
International Business Times – “Syria: Even if They Hand over Their Chemical Weapons Stockpile, Could They Still Make More as Assad Fights for His Life?”
Jon Wolfsthal tells the IBT that any agreement with Syria should be viewed skeptically, but that Assad could be deterred from using chemical weapons either for fear of violating agreement or US military action.
September 9
New York Times – “Unit Experienced in Chemical Weapon Destruction Stands Ready to Help”
Raymond Zilinskas talks to the NY Times about the likely role of inspectors if parties agree on a plan to move forward.
Reuters – “Dismantling Syria Chemical Weapons Arsenal Would Be Tough Task”
Amy Smithson talks about the experience of weapons inspectors in Iraq and Libya in relation to prospects in Syria in a Reuters news wire.
Los Angeles Times – “Obama Weighs Russia Proposal on Syria Chemical Arsenal”
Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at CNS, was interviewed about the pros and cons of the Russian diplomatic initiative.
Christian Science Monitor – “Russia’s New Syria Plan Could Turn ‘Quagmire’ into an Easy Win”
Jon Wolfsthal is quoted on the diplomatic proposal for Syria to put its chemical weapons under international control.