February 2000
According to scholar James Cotton, US specialists maintain that North Korea is developing a longer-range version of the Taepodong missile, which could strike targets in the continental United States and much of Asia by 2003. North Korea has exported about 400 Scud type missiles to Iran, Syria, and Pakistan. Cotton asserts that at present, despite having a missile development program, North Korea does not have the capability to arm its missiles with nuclear warheads.
--James Cotton, "North Korea Nuclear and Missile Nonproliferation and Regional Security," Australia and Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (AUS-CSCAP) Newsletter No. 9, February 2000, http://aus-cscap.anu.edu.au.

April 2000
The United States imposes sanctions against North Korea's Ch'anggwang Shinyong Company for selling missile technology to Syria.
--Bill Gertz, "China, N. Korea Hit With Sanctions," Washington Times, 28 June 2001, p. 1.

29 May 2000
Syria acquires an unknown number of Scud D missiles from North Korea.
–"Syria missile update, 2000," <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/>.

30 May 2000
Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reports that Syria has received new long-range Scud-D missiles from North Korea. The Scud-D has a range of more than 450km, which means the Syrians are able to hit any point in Israel from deep within its own borders.
—"Syria 'gets new Scud,'" BBC News, 30 May 2000, http://www.news.bbc.co/.

June 2000
Western intelligence sources say North Korea is helping Iraq in its medium-range missile and nuclear weapons programs. Sources said Iraq is trying to acquire its pre-1991 strategic weapons capability by increasing its oil revenue through enhanced exports. Former UN chief arms inspector Richard Butler said that Iraqi weaponization would continue to pose a threat to the United States and Israel. US experts say that, despite repeated appeals, North Korea has also continued to sell intermediate and long-range missiles such as the Nodong and Taepodong-1 (Paektusan-1) to Iran, Syria, and Libya. Sources say that commercial contacts are mostly used to hide the weapons transactions.
--"Iraq, N. Korea Believed Cooperating on Missiles, WMD," Middle East Newsline, vol. 2, no. 218, 8 June 2000, http://www.menewsline.com/.

5 June 2000
China is assisting Syria and Iran to develop advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, missile engines and guidance systems.
–Ross Dunn, "Beijing, 'helping Syria with missiles'," The Times (London), 5 June 2000.

1 July- 31 December 2000
According to the CIA, North Korea obtains raw materials and components for ballistic missiles from "various foreign sources, especially through North Korean firms based in China." Chinese firms are also said to provide "dual-use missile-related items, raw materials, and/or assistance to North Korea. As a supplier, North Korea is said to provide "significant ballistic missile-related equipment, components, materials, and technical expertise to countries in the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa." North Korea is said to "maintain a missile relationship" with Egypt, and provide assistance and equipment for Syria's liquid-propellant missile program. North Korea is also reportedly a supplier of "missile-related equipment, materials, technology, and expertise to Libya and Iran."
--"Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 July Through 31 December 2000," CIA, 7 September 2001, <http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/bian/bian_sep_2001.htm#5>; "Russia, N. Korea, China Give Iran Missile Aid-CIA," Joongang Ilbo, 11 September 2001, <http://english.joins.com/>; Bill Gertz, "CIA Uncovers Missile moves by China," Washington Times, 8 September 2001, <http://www.washtimes.com/>; "CIA Says Iran Got New Missile Aid," Washington Post, 8 September 2001, p. 9.

15 August 2000
North Korean President Kim Jong Il admits selling missiles to Syria and Iran.
–Doug Struck and Joohee Cho, "N. Korean dismisses missile idea; Offer to end program made 'laughingly'," The Washington Post, 15 August 2000, p. A1.

August 2000-September 2001
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reports that Syria continues to work towards developing and producing a solid-propellant rocket motor capability. In addition, foreign entities, including from North Korea and Russia, have continued to provide equipment and assistance for Syria's liquid-propellant missile program. The CIA also reports that Syria continues its endeavors towards building liquid-fueled Scud-C missiles, probably with a good deal of assistance from North Korea.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, "Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 15 April 2003.

September 2000
North Korea and Syria complete a contract for North Korean exports of Scud missiles to Syria.
–Eli J. Lake, "Analysis: Prospect of North Korean Missile Curbs Fade," United Press International, 6 December 2000.

23 September 2000
Syria successfully flight-tests a "Scud-D" that was acquired from North Korea. The Scud-D is said to be capable of delivering chemical and biological warheads.
–Ch'oe Hong Sžp, "'[Israel] Pukhan-Chungdong Missile Connection Magara'," Chugan Chosun, 12 April 2001, http://www.weekly.chosun.com.

2000
50 No Dong missiles and 7 TELs arrive in Syria from North Korean firm, Ch'ongchon'gang.
–CNS, "North Korea Missile Exports Table," Nuclear Threat Initiative, <http://www.nti.org/>.

23 September 2000
Syria tests No Dong missile.
–Anthony Cordesman, "Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East" 15 April, 2003 <http://www.csis.org/burke/mb/me_wmd_regionaltrends.pdf/>.

23 September 2000
Syria tests a 700-kilometer range Scud-D.
–Joseph Cirincione, Deadly Arsenals: Tracking Weapons of Mass Destruction (Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2002), p. 85.

23 September 2000
Reports indicate Syria conducts a Scud-D flight test. The Scud-D is a Syrian version of the Korean Nodong missile.
—Center for Nonproliferation Studies, "Eye on Proliferation: WMD Country Profiles: North Korea: Missile: Import/Export," <http://www.cnsinfo.miis.edu/>.

23 September 2000
Israeli intelligence detects Syria testing its Scud D missile.
– Jerusalem Voice of Israel Network B, 23 September 2000 in "Israel's Mufaz: Arrow radar detected Syrian Scud D launch 23 Sep," FBIS-GMP20000925000195, 23 September 2000.

24 October 2000
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il to discuss bilateral relations as well as North Korea's missile exports to Syria and Iran.
–Robert Kilborn, Judy Nichols, Noel Paul and Sara Steindorf, "USA," Christian Science Monitor (Boston), 24 October 2000, p. 20.

Late 2000
North Korean firm Ch,Jongchon,Jgang delivers 50 Nodong missiles and 7 TELs to Syria.
–CNS, "North Korea Profile," Nuclear Threat Initiative, <http://www.nti.org/>.

28 June 2001
Israel raises concern over Israeli Derby air-to-air missile sale from South Africa to Brazil stating fears that it may reach Syria.
–Tel Aviv Globes, 28 June 2001 in "South Africa sells Israeli missile to Brazil, feared might reach Syria," FBIS-GMP20010628000163, 28 June 2001.

1 July 2001
Israel claims Syria launches a Scud missile from its Aleppo facility. Syrian Information Minister Adnan Imran states in response that the Israeli allegations have no merit.
– Jerusalem Voice of Israel Network B, 2 July 2001 in "Israeli radar detects a Syrian Scud fired from Aleppo,"FBIS-GMP20010702000117, 2 July 2001; Al-Zaman, 5 July 2001 in "Syrian Minister labels Israeli claims of Scud missile test 'trivial'," 5 July 2001.

Early July 2001
Iraq transfers missile technology expertise to Syria as part of growing cooperation between the two countries.
– Al Arab al-Alamiyah, 3 July 2001 in "Sources say missile technology transfer part of cooperation between Iraq, Syria," FBIS-GMP20010703000124, 3 July 2001.

1 July 2001
Israel alleges that Syria tests a 300-kilometer range Scud-B.
–Joseph Cirincione, Deadly Arsenals: Tracking Weapons of Mass Destruction (Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2002), p. 85.

3 July 2001
Syria conducts a flight-test of a Scud-B armed with a chemical warhead during an exercise. The missile flies 300km and is considered successful. It is unclear if the missile was imported from North Korea or if North Korea played in role in the test. Since Syria has purchased Scud missiles from North Korea, this test could be indicative of North Korean warhead capabilities.
–"Syria Tests Scud B with Chemical Warhead," Middle East Newsline, vol. 3, no. 274, 13 July 2001, <http://www.menewsline.com>; Ze'ev Schiff, "Syrian Scud Fired with Chemical Warhead," Ha'aretz, 13 July 2001, http://www.haaretz.co.il.

Early August 2001
US government officials and congressional sources say they suspect China has been transferring missile components and technology to Iran, Libya, and Syria though North Korea.
–"N. Korea Serves as Chinese Front for Missiles," Middle East Newsline, vol. 3, no. 324, 17 August 2001, http://www.menewsline.com.

16 August 2001
According to the London-based Al-Hayah newspaper, a Syrian delegation visits Moscow to purchase new weapons including S-300 missiles.
– Al Hayah, 16 August 2001 in "Report says Syria negotiating to buy S-300 missiles from Russia," FBIS-GMP20010816000039, 16 August 2001.

7 September 2001
The CIA releases its "Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 July Through 31 December 2000." The report says that North Korea obtained raw materials and components for ballistic missiles from "various foreign sources, especially through North Korean firms based in China." Chinese firms are also said to have provided "dual-use missile-related items, raw materials, and/or assistance to North Korea." As a supplier, North Korea is said to have provided "significant ballistic missile-related equipment, components, materials, and technical expertise to countries in the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa." North Korea is said to have "maintained a missile relationship" with Egypt, and provided assistance and equipment for Syria's liquid-propellant missile program. North Korea is also reportedly a supplier of "missile-related equipment, materials, technology, and expertise to Libya and Iran."
–"Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 July Through 31 December 2000," CIA, 7 September 2001, <http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/bian/bian_sep_2001.htm#5>; "Russia, N. Korea, China Give Iran Missile Aid-CIA," Joongang Ilbo, 11 September 2001, <http://english.joins.com>; Bill Gertz, "CIA Uncovers Missile moves by China," Washington Times, 8 September 2001, <http://www.washtimes.com>; "CIA Says Iran Got New Missile Aid," Washington Post, 8 September 2001, p. 9.

January 2002
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimates that Syria has hundreds of FROGs, Scuds and SS-21 short-range ballistic missiles. Syria also is able to produce Scuds mainly using domestically produced parts. Regional concerns may ultimately lead Syria to pursue a longer range missile capability, according to CIA's estimates. Further, foreign assistance has enabled Syria to augment its production capabilities and procure export-controlled technology and components.
–Anthony H. Cordesman, "Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 15 April 2003.

6 February 2002
Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) George Tenet testified before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He states that North Korean sales of ballistic missiles and production capabilities, including raw goods, components and technical advice, has enabled North Korea to continue producing new, more sophisticated weapons to sell to clients such as Syria.
–Anthony H. Cordesman, "Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 15 April 2003.

6 February 2002
In testimony before the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, CIA Director George Tenet says North Korea is exporting ballistic missiles and missile components to countries like Iran, Libya, Syria, and Egypt. Tenet says North Korea could have a ballistic missile that could reach the United States by 2015, and that North Korea has enough plutonium for one or two nuclear bombs. According to Tenet, North Korea is using the profits from its missile exports to further develop its missiles, and probably to covertly develop WMD.
–James Risen, "A Nation Challenged: The Threat; Al Qaeda Still Able to Strike U.S., Head of C.I.A. Says," New York Times, 7 February 2002, p. A1; Associated Press, "Countries, Groups and Others that Are Considered Risks to U.S. Security," St. Petersburg Times, 7 February 2002; Han Ki Hng, "Mi CIA Kukchang ,IJPuk 2015 Ny" Mibont, Ĵo Konggy Kan.ng, Donga Ilbo, 7 February 2002, http://www.donga.com.

19 June 2002
US and Israeli officials state Syria is mass producing its longer-range version of its Scud C missile with possible assistance by North Korea and Iran.
–Steve Rodan, "Syria preparing to build extended-ranged Scud," Jane's Defence Weekly, 19 June 2002, p. 40.

1 September 2002
US and Israel is trying to stop a Syrian-Russian arms deal for SA-18 shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
– Tel Aviv Ha'aretz, 1 September 2002 in "Israel, US said to be 'trying to hald' Russia-Syria missile deal,"FBIS-GMP20020901000002, 1 September 2002.

21 September 2002
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov states Russia is not selling the SA-18 as alleged by Israel to Syria.
– Moscow Interfax, 21 September 2002, in "Defense Minister says Russia not selling offensive weapons to Syria," FBIS-CEP20020921000026, 21 September 2002.

29 October 2002
According to The Jerusalem Post, Russia has halted its arm sale of the SA-18 ground-to-air missile to Syria.
–Nina Gilbert, "PM: Russia has halted sale of SA-18 missile to Syria," The Jerusalem Post, 29 October 2002, p. 3.

Late 2002
Four tunnels to be used as housing for Nodong launchers are hollowed out in undisclosed areas in Syria.
–Anthony H. Cordesman, "Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 15 April 2003.

13 January 2003
Western sources claim that North Korea is offering Syria a "more accurate" version of the Scud B missile. The Scud C has already been bought by Syria offered at $4 million.
– Jerusalem Middle East Newsline, 13 January 2003 in "N. Korea said to market more accurate Scud-class missile to the Middle East," FBIS GMP20030113000048, 13 September 2003.

14 February 2003
A high ranking American diplomat claims that US and Russian officials stop the sale of Igla portable surface-to-air missile systems from a Russian firm to Iraq which would ultimately have been destined for Syria.
– Moscow Izvestiya, 14 February 2003 in "Russian arms company says no current Igla missile contracts with Syria," FBIS CEP20030214000176, 14 September 2003.

Early January 2004
Following various statements by American officials during Operation Iraqi Freedom in early January accusing Syria of continuing to transfer arms to Iraq, an article in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz claims that Syria made an arms deal with Russia for the acquisition of 500 laser-guided anti-tank missiles and transferred it to Iraq.
–Ze'ev Schiff, "Syria has been Iraq's arms supplier," 6 January 2004, http://www.haaretzdaily.com/.

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.

20 January 2004
Washington officials affirm that Syria, with the help of North Korea, has designed and installed chemical warheads on its Scud B, C and D missiles.
—"Syria Uses Sarin on Scud Warheads," United Press International, 21 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, including Scud C and D missiles, 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.

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.

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.

19 May 2004
According to Middle East Newsline, U.S. officials confirm that a train collision in North Korea caused the death of about a dozen Syrian technicians. The Syrians were accompanying a train car full of missiles and missile components from a facility near the Chinese border to a North Korean port; the cargo was destroyed in the subsequent explosion. The officials say there is no evidence that chemical or biological weapons were included in the shipment.
--"Explosion Foils N. Korean Missiles to Syria," Middle East Newsline, 19 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.

26 July 2004
Maj. Gen. Ze'evi Farkash, head of the Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Branch, claims that Syria is attempting to convert short-range missiles belonging to Hezbollah to carry chemical warheads. According to Farkash, Hezbollah may have access to up to 30 missiles with a 215km maximum range.
--"Hezbollah May Be Seeking Missiles Armed With Chemical Weapons, Israeli Military Intelligence Chief Says," Global Security Newswire, 26 July 2004.

15 September 2004
Contrary to previous reports alleging transfer of Syrian WMD's to Sudan, the Office of the Spokesman asserts that the U.S. Department of State "is not aware of any corroboration of the transfer of Syrian chemical weapons to Sudan."
—"Syrian Transfer of Chemical Weapons to Sudan," Question Taken at U.S. State Department Daily Press Briefing, 15 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.

	Updated May 2006