6 January 2004
The United States and Britain have stated bluntly that Syria must relinquish its weapons of mass destruction or "face ostracism—even if neighboring Israel keeps its nuclear arms." This is in response to an earlier announcement by President Bashar Assad that Syria would not dispose of its WMD until and unless Israel does the same. The two western countries have made clear to Syria that abandoning its chemical and biological weapons constitutes the price of better relations.
--Anton La Guardia, "Assad Given Weapons Ultimatum," The Daily Telegraph (London), 7 January 2004.

9 January 2004
According to National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, the Bush administration is in the process of investigating a report that Iraq spirited its WMD across the border into Syria before the U.S. invasion in March 2003. Rice adds however that "I don't think we are at the point that we can make a judgment on the issue. There hasn't been any hard evidence that such a thing happened."
--Mike Allen, "Syria Role on Iraqi Arms Is Studied," The Washington Post, 10 January 2004.

16 January 2004
Commenting on Syria, Secretary of State Colin Powell told Britain's Sky News that the United States has not characterized it "as one of the members of the axis of evil but we are concerned about some of Syria's policies with respect to supporting terrorist activity, with respect of what they might be doing with weapons of mass destruction."
--"Powell Renews Call on Syria to End Support for Terrorism, WMD," Agence France Presse, 16 January 2004.

27 January 2004
Syrian ambassador Mikail Wehbe, speaking at a UN disarmament conference in Geneva, repeated the Syrian demand for a WMD-free Middle East "without exception".
--"Syria Reiterated Demand for Nuclear-Free Middle East," Agence France Presse, 27 January 2004.

April 2004
Middle East Newsline alleges that a report suggesting that WMD parts have been transported to Khartoum, Sudan from Syria since January of this year -- has been verified by sources who also contest the assertion that Sudanese President al-Bashir is unaware of the shipments.
--Jason Fuchs, "Iran's Cleric Push in Iraq as Syria Moves its WMD," Defense & Foreign Affairs' Strategic Policy, April 2004, p.20.

1 April 2004
Following discussions with his Syrian counterpart and President al-Assad, Foreign Minister Bernard Bot of the Netherlands affirms that the European Union expects to find a compromise on the WMD issue that will satisfy all the parties to a pending association accord.
--"EU, Syria Ready to Compromise on Banned Weapons: Dutch FM," Agence France Presse, 1 April 2004.

8 April 2004
In addition to expressing concern over the possibility of Syria having been a customer of Pakistan's Dr. Khan, U.S. officials point to two IAEA programs that could prove helpful to determined scientists in Syria. The atomic agency has helped the Syrians procure hot cells to process for purposes of medical imaging; in addition, it assisted in efforts to produce high-purity phosphoric acid from phosphate by extracting uranium. According to David Albright, head of the Institute for Science and International Security, the Syrian hot cells are "larger than necessary" and any uranium extracted would not be subject to IAEA scrutiny. Albright adds: "It's a long shot...but it raises questions about the Syrians' intentions."
--Carla Anne Robbins, "Helping Syria Get Hot Cells," Wall Street Journal, 8 April 2004, p. A1.

9 April 2004
According to Ha'aretz, a former Syrian spy has revealed that Damascus is in possession of sensitive information regarding Israel's Dimona reactor, including photos from inside the reactor compound.
--"Ex-Spy: Syria Has Data on Israel's Reactor," United Press International, 9 April 2004.

30 April 2004
White House spokesman Scott McClellan, speaking with reporters, confirms that the United States will not balk at implementing the Syria Accountability Act, imposing sanctions on Syria, unless there is an effort to seriously address WMD concerns and support for terrorism.
--Olivier Knox, "US: Possible Syria Sanctions "Very Soon"," Agence France Presse, 30 April 2004.

7 May 2004
Citing an unidentified U.S. administration source, an Israeli TV correspondent alleges that Syria—though not yet nuclear-capable—evinced interest in acquiring nuclear parts via a "leak" in the A.Q. Khan proliferation ring.
--"Israeli TV Alleges Nuclear Parts Reaching Syria," BBC, 7 May 2004.

11 May 2004
President Bush enumerates the reasons the United States has approved sanctions against Syria, accusing it of "supporting terrorism, continuing its occupation of Lebanon, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, and undermining United States and international efforts with respect to the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq...."
--Krishnadev Calamur, "U.S. Slaps Sanctions on Syria," United Press International, 11 May 2004.

13 May 2004
EU foreign ministers are set to resume talks with Syria on their pending trade agreement next week.
--Ian Black, "Europe to Seek Syria Trade Deal," The Guardian (London), 13 May 2004.

17 May 2004
The Syria-EU trade accord remains unsigned at a meeting for EU foreign ministers in Brussels. Britain, Germany and the Netherlands continue to hold out for tougher wording of the deal's WMD clause.
--Judy Dempsey, "Three Countries Demand Tougher WMD Clause in Syria Trade Deal," The Financial Times, 18 May 2004.

26 May 2004
European officials approve text regarding the WMD clause to be included in the trade accord with Syria. No date has been fixed for resuming negotiations however.
--"EU Agrees Syria Deal, Plans Renewed Talks With Damascus," Deutsche Presse Agentur, 26 May 2004.

15 June 2004
According to a report published in the London-based Al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper, referencing "well informed European diplomatic sources," the signing of the EU-Syria agreement has been taken off the agenda of the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg today, there being no new reason to discuss it. According to these same sources, the European Union is considering sending a team to Damascus within the next three weeks to "persuade them of the need to sign the partnership agreement that includes the disputed paragraph."
--"EU Partnership Agreement With Syria Dropped From Foreign Ministers' Agenda," BBC, 17 June 2004.

4 July 2004
According to a report published by the London-based Al-Hayat newspaper, EU High Representative for WMD affairs Javier Solana will be visiting Damascus 14 and 15 July to discuss the revisions to the trade accord agreed by EU representatives on 26 May.
--"Talks to Resume on EU Association Agreement With Syria," BBC, 5 July 2004.

4 July 2004
Investigators tracking nuclear technology that proliferated via the A.Q. Khan network suggest that Syria may have procured centrifuges capable of enriching uranium to produce a bomb.
--Sarah Baxter, "CIA Fears Syria Could Go Nuclear," Sunday Times (London), 4 July 2004.

9 July 2004
An unidentified senior diplomat says there is no evidence to warrant reporting Syria or Saudi Arabia to the IAEA board of governors, in connection with the A.Q. Khan nuclear technology proliferation network.
--George Jahn, "Head of UN Nuclear Agency Says More Than 20 International Companies Supplied Black Market," The Associated Press, 9 July 2004.

10 September 2004
A Jerusalem Post article stresses growing international concern regarding Syria's possible acquisition of nuclear weapons, "perhaps with the assistance of its Iranian ally." The writer refers to statements by U.S. Undersecretary of State John Bolton that "several other" [unspecified] customers had attempted to acquire nuclear technology from the Khan network besides North Korea, Libya, and Iran. The writer also points to Khan's alleged visits to Damascus in 1997 and 1998 to lecture on nuclear materials, suggesting that in 2001 Syria moved the meeting venue to Iran to avoid exposure of its contacts with the WMD black marketer. Recent reports allege that Syria may have acquired gas centrifuges, thereby potentially allowing it to produce enriched uranium.
--Douglas Davis, "A Syrian Bomb?" The Jerusalem Post, 10 September 2004.

26 September 2004
Western intelligence officials allege that President Bashir al-Asad is attempting to move 12 Iraqi nuclear technicians from Syria to Iran. They were allegedly sent to Damascus, provided with new identities, and hidden at an undisclosed military installation prior to the current war in Iraq. The deal Asad proposes purportedly includes transferring the Iraqi scientists to Teheran to assist their counterparts in developing atomic weapons; the results of the research would then be shared with Syria.
--Con Coughlin, "Syria Brokers Secret Deal to Send Atomic Weapons Scientists to Iran," Sunday Telegraph (London), 26 September 2004.

30 September 2004
Asked if Syria was a client of A.Q. Khan's nuclear network, IAEA head El Baradei responds "we have seen no indications."
--Mohamed El Baradei, "Still Time for Diplomacy?" interview by Tim Sebastian, HARDtalk, BBC News, 30 September 2004.

21 October 2004
A year-long dispute between Syria and the European Union is apparently resolved with agreement on a WMD clause. The clause provides for cooperation in countering terrorism and WMD proliferation, including their means of delivery. The accord must now be approved by 25 EU foreign ministers scheduled to meet in December 2004.
--"EU Agreement Allows Syria To Keep WMD," WorldTribune.com, 21 October 2004.

10 November 2004
An unidentified U.S. official reveals that the Bush administration is looking at imposing further sanctions on Syria, citing the latter's reluctance to cease support for terrorism and for its alleged WMD activities. A decision is expected within the next few weeks.
--"Bush Administration Considers New Syrian Sanctions," Global Security Newswire, 10 November 2004.

21 December 2004
Xinhua reports that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will continue talks with the U. S. and Israel regarding sanctions and accusations of seeking weapons of mass destruction. Washington states that Damascus is harboring terrorists, trying to acquire weapons of mass destruction, and is not stopping border infiltration into Iraq.
--"Yearender: Syria seeks multi-channels to ease US, Israeli pressure," Xinhua, 21 December 2004.

2 January 2005
Libyan leader Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi states in his interview with Al-Jazeera satellite TV, that "Syria has no nuclear programme or nuclear weapons, but that it has the right 'to liberate its land.'"
--"Al-Qadhafi says Libya 'Served World Peace' by Halting Nuclear Programme," Global Security Newswire, 2 January 2005.

17 January 2005
Officials from the Bush Administration state that their suspicion of WMD being transported out of Iraq by President Saddam Hussein has turned out to be untrue. Intelligence and congressional officials claim "they have not seen any information--never 'a piece,' said one--indicating that WMD or significant amounts of components and equipment were transferred from Iraq to neighboring Syria, Jordan, or elsewhere." The official report of the transfer of WMD to Syria, Jordan, or other countries will be reported in February.
--"U.S. intelligence found no evidence WMD moved from Iraq," Associated Press, 17 January 2005.

24 January 2005
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in Moscow today to begin negotiations with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Russia is interested in taking a bigger role in the Middle East. The two leaders will discuss resolving the conflict between Israel and Syria. They will also discuss Russia's "pledge" to control "Syria's military program in order to prevent the development of weapons of mass destruction."
--"Imperial optimism," RusData Dialine, 24, January 2005.

25 January 2005
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agrees with Syria's proposal of creating a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. Mr. Lavrov states he would like to see U.S.-Syria relations improve through dialogue instead of threats. He states that Russia is "concerned by the situation that has been developing around Syria, recently. It is important to prevent the appearance of additional hotbeds of tension in that region that is filled with crises as it is."
--"Russian Minister Voices Concern over US Claims of Syria's Links to Extremism," Global Security Newswire, 25 January 2005.

25 January 2005
Israeli Mossad Chief Meir Dagan states that "there must always be an intelligence effort to check the recent information on the start of nuclear programs in Syria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia." He adds that there maybe clues that Syria is starting a project utilizing nuclear materials.
--"Mossad chief, Iran will go nuclear this year," The Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2005.

27 January 2005
A joint declaration signed by Russia and Syria states that Moscow will oversee Syria's defense program in order to halt the production of weapons of mass destruction.
--"Is Russia playing Soviet games," The Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2005.

29 January 2005
Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has finished four days of successful talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Moscow. In regards to their discussion about Iran, al-Assad states that both parties agreed that "in accordance with international law any country has the right to possess a peaceful nuclear reactor...we take the same approach as Russia on the question of stationing nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction."
--"President Al-Asad says Syrian forces will remain in Lebanon," BBC, 29 January 2005.

4 February 2005
In his State of the Union Address, President George Bush says, that in order "to promote peace in the broader Middle East, we must confront regimes that continue to harbour terrorists and pursue weapons of mass murder," singling out both Syria and Iran. He stated that the Syrian government needs to take action in preserving peace and freedom in the region.
--"Bush Warns Syria, Iran," Global Security Newswire, 4 February 2005.

7 April 2005
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter states that the United States fails to acknowledge how Israel's nuclear program encourages countries such as Syria, Iran, and Egypt to pursue nuclear weapons.
--"Saving Non-Proliferation," Windsor Star, 7 April 2005.

14 April 2005
U.S. Representative of the House Committee on International Relations and House Armed Services Committee Edward R. Royce states that the United States should worry that the technology transfer acquired from China by A.Q. Khan could have been proliferated to Syria.
--"U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA) holds a joint hearing with the House International Relations Committee on E.U. weapons sales to China," FDCH Political Transcript, 14 April 2005.

26 April 2005
The Iraq Survey Group that was in charge of the search for WMD in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein releases a report declaring it has found no evidence supporting the claim that Iraqi arms are hidden in Syria. The findings of the report contradict the previous sentiment of U.S. officials who had believed some WMD from Iraq had been moved to Syria prior to 2003.
--"Inspectors Find No Proof Iraq Hid Weapons in Syria," Reuters, 26 April 2005.

27 April 2005
Charles Duelfer, the chief weapons inspector of the Iraqi Survey Group said that he cannot rule out that Iraqi weapons of mass destruction have been transferred to Syria, although all senior Iraqi detainees involved in Saddam's security and weapons programs "uniformly denied any knowledge of residual WMD that could have been secreted to Syria."
--Rowan Scarborough, "CIA can't rule out WMD move to Syria," Washington Times, 27 April 2005.

Early 2005
Western diplomats state that Pakistani nuclear Scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan gave lectures about "nuclear issues," between late 1997 to early 1998 in Damascus.
--"The Growing Syrian Missile Threat," Middle East Quarterly, Fall 2005.

29 September 2005
Cuba, Syria, and Belarus have become part of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation board.
--"Cuba, Syria, Belarus join IAEA board, strengthening anti-U.S. front," Associated Press, 29 September 2005.

12 December 2005
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad states every country has an inalienable right to peaceful nuclear technology including Iran.
--"Nuclear-Iran-States," ARABIA, 12 December 2005.

12 December 2005
In an interview by Russian TV, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad states that in order for the Middle East to be a nuclear weapons-free zone, Israel must give up its nuclear weapons.
--"Syrian President Interviewed by Russian TV on Al-Hariri Probe, Iraq, other issues," BBC, 12 December 2005.

4 January 2006
A 55-page intelligence assessment report formulated by British, French, German, and Belgian agencies states that Syria and Pakistan have been purchasing technology and chemicals which are used to enrich uranium and create their rocket programs.
--"Secret services say Iran is trying to assemble a nuclear missile: Documents seen by Guardian details web of front companies and middlemen," The Guardian, 4 January 2006.

13 May 2006
On 13 May 2006, a de-classified report to the U.S. Congress on the acquisition of technology relating to weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions for the period 1 January to 31 December 2004 indicates that the A.Q. Khan Network offered nuclear technology and hardware to Syria. The report further states that in 2004 Syria continued to develop civilian nuclear capabilities, including uranium extraction technology and hot cell facilities, all potentially applicable to a weapons program.
--Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January to 31 December 2004, Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

27 September 2006
Syrian Deputy Petroleum Minister, Dr. Hasan Zeinab, denied claims made in a report by Kuwaiti daily Al-Siyasa of an ongoing nuclear program supervised by Iranian and Iraqi scientists. Zeinab went on to assert that he was in favor of the commencement of such a program in the future to support growing Syrian energy concerns.
--"Syria Aspires to Go Nuclear, Denies Ongoing Program," The Media Line, 27 September 2006.

27 October 2006
In an interview with Tokyo-based Asahi Shimbun, Syria President Bashar al-Assad stresses that Syria is not seeking to become a nuclear power. He argues that Damascus' ultimate aim is a nuclear-free Middle East. Al-Assad pushes for greater application of international pressure on Israel to abandon its nuclear arsenal and voices support for Iran's international right to develop a nuclear program for "peaceful purposes." He also criticized the United States' reluctance to accept Syria's offer of entering into dialogue.
--Daiji Sadamori, "Assad: Syria Not Seeking To Be Nuclear State," Asahi Shimbun, 27 October 2006.

12 January 2007
Syrian officials highlight the nuclear energy option to meet increased energy consumption in the country. Officials have stated that nuclear energy could provide a feasible energy alternative in light of concerns of oil depletion and ten percent annual increase in electricity use. Syria has signed deals with Kuwait, Venezuela, and Iran to build refineries, as well as oil exploration deals with international companies to maintain its current level of production until 2025. However, official sources hint that the production decreases may occur before then. Lately, Syrian Electricity Minister Ahmed Khalid al-Ali has stated that the nuclear energy option was "not out of [Syria's] sight" to meet increasing energy demands, and Syrian Deputy Oil Minister Hasan Zaynab declared that nuclear energy was the only alternative to oil.
--Syria: Nuclear Energy Alternative Proposed Amidst Concerns of Oil Depletion, Increased Electrical Consumption," OSC Report, in Open Source Center Document GMP20070112388001, 12 January 2007

12 September 2007
American officials confirm that Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on a target inside Syria on September 6. However, the nature of the target and extent of damage still remain unclear. No public statements have been made by either Israel or the United States regarding the matter.
--Mark Mazzetti and Helene Cooper, "U.S. confirms Israeli strikes hit Syrian target last week," New York Times, 12 September 2007.

13 September 2007
U.S. intelligence indicates that North Korea and Syria might have been cooperating on some kind of nuclear facility in Syria. The evidence based primarily on Israeli satellite imagery has led U.S. officials to believe that the facility could have been used to produce material for nuclear weapons. Speculations are also rife that the bombed facility could have been manufacturing unconventional weapons, including the possibility of the facility being a missile installation.
--Glenn Kessler. "North Korea, Syria may be at work on nuclear facility," Washington Post, 13 September 2007; "North Korea, Syria possibly building nuclear installation," Nuclear Threat Initiative, 13 September 2007.

20 September 2007
Israel confirms operation over Syria. Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that he congratulated Prime Minister Olmert following an alleged air strike of a nuclear installation in northern Syria. During a live TV interview, Netanyahu said that he was "part of the matter from the beginning."
--Yaakov Katz. "Netanyahu: I congratulated Olmert on Syria operation. IDF holds large-scale exercise in Golan Heights," Jerusalem Post, 20 September 2007.

25 September 2007
North Korea dismisses reports that it was providing nuclear material to Syria as allegations "fabricated by lunatics." Speaking to reporters before the Six-Party talks, North Korean Vice-Foreign Minister Kim Kye-kwan says, "Lunatics have created these rumours about a nuclear deal between us and Syria."
--Mark Tran. "North Korea denies nuclear link," Guardian Unlimited, 25 September 2007; "Yonhap: DPRK envoy reiterates denial of Syrian nuclear ties, comments on 6-party talks," Yonhap, 25 September 2007, Open Source Document KPP 20070925971002.

14 October 2007
Report alleges that Israeli airstrikes on Syria last month were directed against a site housing a partially constructed nuclear reactor. The reactor is believed to be modeled on a North Korean design used for stockpiling fuel for nuclear weapons.
--David E. Sanger and Mark Mazzetti. "Israel struck Syrian nuclear project, analysts say," New York Times, 14 October 2007.

15 October 2007
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asks Damascus for information about the facility targeted by Israeli airstrikes.
--Mark Heinrich. "UN watchdog asks Syria about 'undeclared' atom plant," Reuters, 15 October 2007.

25 October 2007
U.S. security experts publish what they believe to be photographs of the secret Syrian nuclear facility bombed by Israel last month. Their analysis of satellite images in an area near the Euphrates river reveals what they say are buildings similar to a North Korean reactor capable of producing fuel for a nuclear bomb.
--Leonard Doyle. "US claims photos show Syrian nuclear reactor," Independent, 25 October 2007; David Albright and Paul Brannan. "Suspect reactor construction site in eastern Syria: The site of the September 6 Israeli raid?," Institute for Science and International Security, 23 October 2007.

27 October 2007
Syria removes all traces of the building targeted by Israeli airstrikes in September. This fuels speculations that the structure may have concealed a partially completed nuclear installation.
--Ian Black. "International: Syria nuclear cover-up suspected after Israeli raid," Guardian, 27 October 2007.

28 October 2007
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, tells CNN that the IAEA has not received information about any clandestine nuclear activities in Syria. He adds that he was told by the Syrians that the site was a military facility with "nothing to do with nuclear."
--"IAEA chief criticizes Israel over Syria raid," Reuters, 28 October 2007.

5 November 2007
The Syrian facility bombed by Israel in September was several years old. Commercial satellite imagery from 2003 indicates the presence of a structure similar to the most recent imagery taken from just prior to the Israeli airstrikes in September.
--Mark Hosenball. "A New Intelligence Failure?," Newsweek, 5 November 2007.

8 November 2007
The Syrian deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Abdallah al-Dardari, denies that Syria has the capability to produce nuclear energy. Al-Dardari says that "the production of nuclear energy is costly, and it requires a very big infrastructure of material, technical, and human resources, which are not available in Syria."
--"Syrian official says Syria incapable of producing nuclear energy," Syria News, 8 November 2007, Open Source Document GMP 20071108637004.

24 April 2008
The Bush administration organizes a series of meetings for lawmakers and the press in which intelligence officials discuss the Syrian site bombed by Israel last September. Based on photographic and other evidence, the officials assess with high confidence that the facility, known as Al Kibar, was a graphite moderated nuclear reactor under construction. They also assess with high confidence that Syria and North Korea were cooperating on nuclear activities, but can only state with medium confidence that North Korea was involved in the construction at Al Kibar. While officials believe the reactor was intended to create fuel for a nuclear weapons program, they admit the evidence so far only justifies a low level of confidence in this assessment. The CIA releases a video including photographs of the site and a meeting between Syrian and North Korean officials.
--“Background Briefing with Senior U.S. Officials on Syria’s Covert Nuclear Reactor and North Korea’s Involvement,” Office of the Director of National Intelligence, 24 April 2007, <http://dni.gov/interviews/20080424_interview.pdf>; Demetri Sevastopulo,
“N Korea ‘helped’ Syria build nuclear plant,” Financial Times, 24 April 2008.

24 April 2008
The Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha, denies the American claim that Syria was building a nuclear reactor, calling it “ridiculous.”
--“Syria denies N Korea nuclear link,” Al Jazeera, 25 April 2007.

25 April 2008
IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei criticizes the United States for withholding information on the Syrian facility at Al Kibar, but promises that his agency will treat the information “with the seriousness it deserves and will investigate the veracity of the information.”
--George Jahn, “IAEA’s ElBaradei criticizes US for holding back information, Associated Press, 25 April 2007.

	Updated May 2008