Keep nuclear arms out of the region

With the opening of the "Nuclear Energy in the Gulf" conference in Abu Dhabi, an important issue that directly affects the safety and security of the entire Middle East region is in focus once again.

A possible nuclear arms race in the region would hamper any chances of peace in the region.

Organised by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), the Abu Dhabi conference is attended by representatives from the region, the West and Asia.

Most important of all, the meeting highlights a genuine concern over the use of nuclear energy for military purposes, especially when two countries have been working towards this goal. Israel has been stockpiling an arsenal of nuclear weapons for years, which has instilled distrust and spread tension in the region.

Iran also is a country that establishes an atmosphere of hostility because of its adamant pursuit of a nuclear programme.

Both countries refuse to abide by international rules or regulations and hence both approaches present a threat. The only means of bringing about stability is by making the entire Middle East free from nuclear weapons.