Pakistan nuclear weapons at risk of theft by terrorists, US study warns

[Bozita]

Source: Guardian UK

Pakistan nuclear weapons at risk of theft by terrorists, US study warns
Pakistani PM attends Washington nuclear security summit and insists country has 'appropriate safeguard' for its arsenal
Julian Borger in Washington
guardian.co.uk, Monday 12 April 2010 19.52 BST
Article history


Pakistan yesterday came under increased pressure over its nuclear arsenal when a Harvard study warned of "a very real possibility" that its warheads could be stolen by terrorists.

The rising concern about poorly-guarded nuclear weapons and material was the subject of an extraordinary two-day summit which began in Washington yesterday. Last night, Ukraine became the latest country to volunteer to give up its stores of highly enriched uranium (HEU), which can be used in weapons, and switch its research reactors to low-enriched uranium.

There was still considerable anxiety at the Nuclear Security Summit over the safety of more than 2,000 tons more HEU and weapons-grade plutonium stored in 40 countries. There were also persistent doubts over the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons.

-snip-

However, a report by Harvard University's Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs, titled Securing the Bomb 2010, said Pakistan's stockpile "faces a greater threat from Islamic extremists seeking nuclear weapons than any other nuclear stockpile on earth".

Experts said the danger was growing because of the arms race between Pakistan and India. The Institute for Science and International Security has reported that Pakistan's second nuclear reactor, built to produce plutonium for weapons, shows signs of starting operations, and a third is under construction.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/12/pakistan-nuclear-weapons-security-fears

[Crowman1979]

1. Well thanks a lot Mr. Obvious!

[JDPriestly]

2. This is why we are in Afghanistan, and why we have to stay there.

No offense to Pakistan, but it is surrounded by fanatics with poor judgment and lots of anger. Pakistan's nukes could easily get into the hands of those fanatics. The Pakistanis could well be the first, but not the last, to suffer.

[customerserviceguy]

3. I'm fairly certain

that should the Pakistani government fall into the hands of anyone who would possibly deal with our enemies in that part of the world, there are contingency plans to obliterate every Pakistani nuclear site.

If we don't, India will.

[Crowman1979]

4. Wouldn't it be easier to change our strategy when it comes Pakistani nukes?

Other than endless war? How about we create a diplomatic incentive to end Pakistan's nuclear program?

Here are several ideas make Pakistan give up it's nukes:

-Buy all nukes from Pakistan, cease all nuclear research & development and with a guarantee that all future nuclear research and development will not be re-activated.

If not, then either:

-50% tariff on all goods if Pakistan continues nuclear program.
-Cut off all trade with Pakistan.

[Angleae]

5. Pakistan won't even think about it unless India does first.

[Crowman1979]

6. Then we'll apply this strategy to both countries.