Arab league Chief Amr Mussa points out that Libya's decision to disarm comes as "part of serious Arab efforts to make the Middle East a WMD-free zone" and now that Libya has pledged to disarm, we feel that it is only reasonable that Israel also ratify the Nuclear Non-Prolifeation Treaty and pledge to eliminate its WMD programmes. Disarmament cannot be a one-way street. If the Arab states in the region are to disarm, then so should Israel.

Indeed, with its massive superiority over its neighbours in terms of conventional weaponry, Israel would have no need to continue harbouring WMDs in an otherwise WMD-free region. If Israel wishes for countries such as Syria to follow Libya's lead, then it, too, should be prepared to take similar steps itself. The Middle East is the world's most volatile region and if it were free of WMDs then that would be a great thing. But this will only happen if Israel agrees to eliminate its own WMD programmes.

This is a great opportunity for the US to show real global leadership. Let us see if its stated desire for a WMD-free Middle East is backed up by pressure on its closest ally to get with the programme. If the US truly wants to see a peaceful and stable Middle East, then it will put pressure on Israel to disarm. This will show the world that the US is committed to peace and stability in the region and serious about eliminating WMDs.