The history of chemical wars

Chemical weapons count among the weapons of mass destruction. In addition to chemical weapons, also nuclear and biological weapons belong here. Historically, chemical weapons rank among the oldest ones. Their initial steps were made in the distant past, even if they were not called so then. However, the initial utilization of chemical agents against human force is more connected with fire. It was used for protection against attacks of animals as well as people. Later on it was used to protect or capture towns and fortifications. The most extensive use of chemical weapons in war occurred during World War I. A large number of chemical substances was tested, the most important being phosgene. In 1917, German army used vesicant yperite near the town of Ypres. The development of chemical warfare agents continued also after the year 1918. During World War II, chemical weapons were practically not used. If it happened, then on the secondary fronts only. The main reason was the fear of possible retaliation. From 1939 to 1945, huge amounts of chemical warfare agents were made. Towards the end of the war this stockpile amounted to approximately 400 000 tonnes. After World War II, a new stage of chemical armament has begun. The greatest attention was concentrated on nerve agents, sarin, soman and agent VX. Chemical warfare agents have been further used also after the year 1945. In the not so distant past, Iraq used nerve-paralyzing agents and yperite during the Iran-Iraq War (1980 {--} 1988). Last but not least, the use of chemical warfare agents for terrorist purposes is to be mentioned. In January 1993, the global fight against chemical weapons culminated in signing of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction. Under this Convention, chemical weapons were to be liquidated until the year 2007. States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention which did not comply with this deadline have asked for prolongation of the final deadlines for chemical weapons liquidation until 29 April 2012. The question remains if even this prolongation will fulfil the goal of the Convention {--} to ensure a world without chemical weapons. Until the time when the stockpiles of chemical weapons are completely liquidated their possible misuse cannot be excluded. The states which have not joined the Convention as yet and own limited stockpiles of chemical weapons can use them