The renewed focus on nuclear programs by countries in the Middle East stems from concerns that Iran will acquire nuclear arms. An Iranian nuclear weapon may result in an accelerated effort to develop nuclear arms in many of the countries in the region.

The most likely candidate for entering the race for nuclear arms is Turkey. Ankara considers a nuclear Iran a dangerous rival that might take advantage of its arsenal to claim a hegemonic role in the region at Turkey's expense.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco and maybe even Jordan might join the fray for nuclear arms. All have declared recently that they intend to develop nuclear weapons for peaceful purposes.