Certainly, there would be many problems to be faced as a result of outvoting the US and incurring its ongoing hostility. Indeed, according to a recent article in the New York Times, the US is planning to discontinue its financial contributions to the Organization altogether unless Bustani is terminated.[3] This would be serious, but the alternative is worse. Capitulating to US pressure would solidify and greatly extend the degree of control that the US exercises over the verification and compliance operations under the Convention. This would seriously weaken the authority of the Organization and diminish the support that the Convention now enjoys in the world at large.

Countries that are supporting the US on this issue may think they are compelled to do so in order to save the OPCW from collapse. Admittedly, there would be additional expense if the US withdraws or reduces its financial contribution, and there could be many problems encountered in the search for new ways to operate the Organization without the support and cooperation of the US. It may even be necessary to face active opposition from the US. But it is hard to believe that these problems are insoluble.

What appears to be needed is leadership from a group of States Parties – possibly following the model of the New Agenda Coalition, which was so successful in preventing the collapse of the 2000 NPT Review Conference.