Syria’s hidden stash of chemical weapons hangs over post-Assad transition
Destroying what remains of the Syrian regime's chemical arsenal is a top concern for the United States and its partners following Bashar al-Assad's sudden ouster.
You're reading an excerpt from Al-Monitor Washington, where we break down the latest in US-Middle East diplomacy. To read the full newsletter, sign up here.
WASHINGTON — More than a decade after Bashar al-Assad falsely claimed to have turned over his entire chemical weapons stockpile in Syria, inspectors now have the opportunity to finish the job.
Destroying what remains of the country's chemical arsenal is a top concern for the United States and its partners following the collapse of the Assad regime, which is accused of using poison gas against civilians during the nearly 14-year-long Syrian civil war. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has cited the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons as one of several steps required for US support and recognition of a future Syrian government.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist group that led the insurgency against Assad and is now the de facto authority in much of Syria, has said it will not use the leftover chemical materials, which experts say likely include the precursors for making the nerve agent sarin as well as sulfur mustard and chlorine. The group’s leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, said HTS will work with international organizations to secure Assad’s weapons sites.
