The Use of Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Conflict

Abstract

Chemical terrorist attacks by non-state actors have traditionally been characterised as low probability events; however, the apparent normalisation of chemical weapons use, including by terrorists, in the ongoing conflict in Syria is causing some in the international security community to question whether it will remain low probability. For Europe there is an additional potential concern, namely the numbers of EU citizens who are "foreign fighters" and whose return from the conflict zone might also result in "importing" chemical weapons use. This article examines the rise of the "chemical weapons-returning foreign fighter" narrative and considers aspects of the European response. These responses predate the current concerns and include important efforts to create a robust public health response, such as early alert and communication systems, so that the attractiveness of these weapons being used within a European context might be reduced. Although there are limitations as to how far one can transfer what happens in a Syrian context to Europe, the suggestion is made that some of the framing assumptions within this response architecture may be now inadvertently limiting the potential to identify and respond to chemical attacks.

Catalytic bioscavengers in nerve agent poisoning: A promising approach?

“…1) in Syria drew the attention to the continuous threat by these highly toxic organophosphorus compounds (OP; Pita and Domingo, 2014;Eisenkraft et al, 2014). The high toxicity of OP nerve agents ( Fig.…”

Comparison of inhibition kinetics of several organophosphates, including some nerve agent surrogates, using human erythrocyte and rat and mouse brain acetylcholinesterase

“…The use of nerve agents against civilian populations has been reported in several incidences including against the Kurdish minorities in Halabja, Iraq in 1988 and in the Tokyo subway attack by Aum Shinrikyo in 1995 (Gupta, 2009). More recently, suspected use of nerve agents against Syrian civilians in 2013 has been reported (Pita and Domingo, 2014; Eisenkraft et al, 2014). There is currently a concern with the threat of terrorist organizations utilizing nerve agents, and possibly other OPs, as weapons in their attacks.…”

Instantaneous Hydrolysis of Nerve‐Agent Simulants with a Six‐Connected Zirconium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework

“…[1] Themode of action of G-series nerve agents is to rapidly substitute halides/pseudohalides on the nerve agents by forming phosphate ester bonds with acetylcholinesterase,t hereby shutting down its activity.T he results are accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and concomitant derailment of the neural signals responsible for activating muscles,i ncluding muscles needed for respiration. Thed erailment leads to oxygen deprivation and, ultimately, death by asphyxiation.…”