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Chemical Terrorism

International Diplomacy

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Effective Responses to Russian Misbehavior
Sanctions on Russians can be a powerful and effective tool, but in some cases there is a risk of spillover damage to other United States interests. It is worth considering whether America's interests may be best served by ensuring that penalties applied to Russia for misbehavior hit home against those responsible for it.
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Nov 20, 2018
The Moscow Times
William Courtney @courtneywmh

Russia

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Walking a Fine Line on Russian Sanctions
The United States and its allies are increasingly frustrated over malign activities by Russia. This week the U.S. unveiled new sanctions, and is expected to impose even more in the future. But choosing sanctions requires care. Their purpose should be to penalize Russia for misbehavior, but not to isolate Russians.
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Aug 22, 2018
Reuters
William Courtney @courtneywmh
Chemical Terrorism

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Arms Control Hostage to Skripal and Syria Attacks
Two prominent poisoning assassination attempts and Kremlin denials of gas attacks by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad raise doubts about Moscow's commitment to the purposes of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Never has the future of negotiated arms control involving Russia been at greater risk.
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Apr 19, 2018
RealClearDefense
William Courtney @courtneywmh
Chemical Terrorism

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Hit Russia Where It Hurts: Take Away World Cup
After a chemical attack in Great Britain, U.K., U.S. and other governments responded unilaterally. But this crime cries out for a more collective response. Revoking Russia's right to host the World Cup tournament would be a powerful signal of global outrage and would hit Putin where it hurts.
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Apr 5, 2018
United Press International
Andrew Scobell
Chemical Weapons and Warfare

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Assad's Attacks Should Not Be Repeated, Forgotten, or Excused
Despite signing the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty in October 2013, Assad has continued chemical attacks on the Syrian opposition. To counter Assad and others who might turn to the use of chemical weapons, the U.S. could collaborate with other major powers to bolster the international ban on them.
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Aug 15, 2017
Foreign Policy Concepts
Ted Clark
Chemical Weapons and Warfare

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Regional Action Needed to Prevent Syrian Chemical Attacks
Action must be taken to deter future use of chemical weapons. Regional leaders could call for the International Criminal Court to indict Assad for war crimes. Also, borders with Syria could be sealed to prevent any of the remaining stocks from leaving the country.
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May 8, 2017
The Arab Weekly
Daniel M. Gerstein @Daniel_Gerstein
International Diplomacy

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How the West Can Press Putin to Keep Assad in Order
Moscow has achieved tactical successes in Syria, but without Western and regional help, its long-term strategic interests could be at risk. Denying strong evidence that the regime of Bashar al-Assad attacked civilians with sarin gas makes it harder for Moscow to obtain the Western and regional help it needs to secure its interests there.
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Apr 24, 2017
Newsweek
Colin P. Clarke, William Courtney @courtneywmh
Syria

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The Limits of Going It Alone in Syria
Very little on the ground in Syria has changed since the U.S. missile strikes against the Assad regime. To translate this military action into policy gains, it will be necessary to follow up with increased diplomatic coordination with international partners and institutions.
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Apr 18, 2017
U.S. News & World Report
Dalia Dassa Kaye
Chemical Weapons and Warfare

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Why Would Assad Use Chemical Weapons?
The use of chemical weapons today provokes international condemnation, if not always action. Those who order their deployment risk being charged with war crimes. So why would Syria's President Bashar Assad use them?
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Apr 14, 2017
U.S. News & World Report
Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins
Military Strategy

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The Need for a Strategy from the Trump Administration
The Trump administration needs to articulate its policy toward Syria and Russia and its campaign to counter the Islamic State group. A coherent national security strategy could steer the U.S. through these complex problems.
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Apr 10, 2017
Newsweek
Linda Robinson
Chemical Weapons and Warfare

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Why the Syria Chemical Attack Is a Big Problem for Putin
The growing use of chemicals and toxins as tools of assassination and terrorism are troubling trends. Global expressions of outrage over the latest attack in Syria could weaken Assad’s international support. Russia should listen and abandon its support for the regime while joining the international chorus of denunciation.
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Apr 6, 2017
Fortune
Daniel M. Gerstein @Daniel_Gerstein
Chemical Terrorism

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Death by Nerve Gas: Two Arrests, Many Questions in Attack in Malaysia
Details about the murder of Kim Jong Un's half-brother are still being uncovered. If a firm connection to North Korea can be made, others in the region should react strongly. Otherwise, Kim may conclude that further provocations are worth it.
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Mar 7, 2017
U.S. News & World Report
Bruce W. Bennett @bwbennett
Chemical Terrorism

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Keep Chemical Weapons Out of Terrorist Hands
As the Islamic State group and the Nusra Front seized territory in Syria and northern Iraq, they came upon military sites with chemical munitions and industrial facilities with toxic chemicals. Reducing such opportunities should be a priority.
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Sep 27, 2016
U.S. News & World Report
John V. Parachini @JohnParachini
Chemical Terrorism

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Deterring ISIS's Ambitions
Western leaders cannot discount the possibility that ISIS may attempt a chemical attack within their borders. They should look to the robust alliances, treaty regimes, and international organizations to which most of them already ascribe as one way to address this threat.
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Mar 7, 2016
The Cipher Brief
Natasha Lander