Ersin GÖZDE

  In June 1980, an Egyptian-born nuclear scientist involved in Iraq’s nuclear program died in Paris. His name was Yahya El-Mashad. His death occurred at a particularly sensitive moment. Iraq was developing its nuclear infrastructure with significant assistance from European partners, while Israeli and Western intelligence services were increasingly concerned about Baghdad’s nuclear ambitions. El-Mashad’s death has subsequently been linked in public reporting to Israeli efforts to obstruct Iraq’s nuclear development. Mossad involvement has been repeatedly alleged, but the available public documentary record does not establish Israeli responsibility with enough certainty to describe the killing as a confirmed Mossad operation. This distinction matters. A Scientist at a Critical Moment El-Mashad was an Egyptian-born nuclear scientist working with Iraq’s nuclear program. His death came while Iraq was building a nuclear infrastructure with important contributions from France and Italy. ...

 Iraq's Nuclear Ambitions Iraq's interest in nuclear technology predates the development of the Osirak reactor and the rise of nuclear concerns in the early 1980s. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iraq began its nuclear activities in 1956, initially with the aim of developing scientific and technological capabilities and producing radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications. In the 1960s, Iraq expanded its cooperation with the Soviet Union. This cooperation included the development of a research reactor and related laboratories at the Tuwaitha Nuclear Research Center near Baghdad. Therefore, Iraq's nuclear activities developed within a broader international context where both Western and Soviet states provided nuclear technology and technical assistance to countries pursuing peaceful nuclear programs. Iraq joined the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1969. Its comprehensive safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agenc...