BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?

Subject: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 09:24 PM

It looks very much as if in all the fuss about Iran's supposed ambition to produce nuclear weapons, for which there is very little evidence, people may have been looking in tye wrong direction.

Saudi Arabia...has embarked on a strategic review that includes acquiring nuclear weapons, the Guardian has learned... A strategy paper being considered at the highest levels in Riyadh sets out three options:

· To acquire a nuclear capability as a deterrent;

· To maintain or enter into an alliance with an existing nuclear power that would offer protection;

· To try to reach a regional agreement on having a nuclear-free Middle East. ( From a recent Guardian story which I looked up after a report on the BBC tonight confirmming what they'd reported.)

The last "option" would require Israel to admit that it has nuclear weapons and at the same time to get rid of them, which doesn't seem too likely. The other options mean bringing in bombs from Pakistan. And in fact there are reports that the bombs have already been purchased and are ready for delivery.

Nightmare time once more.

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: GUEST,Tony
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 11:14 PM

An interesting article in the New Yorker recently (The Shadow Commander) suggests that the war in Iraq was really a proxy war between the US and Iran, which the US lost, leaving Iraq essentially a colony of Iran.

That, and the recent hint of detente toward Iran by the US administration, must be bad news for the hitherto Anglo-American-sponsored hereditary monarchy of Saudi Arabia, which counts Iran as it greatest enemy since the Iranians overthrew their Anglo-American-sponsored hereditary monarchy. The princes have got to do something, or their oil-rich fiefdom might become the next colony of Iran.

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 03:22 AM

Iran's supposed ambition to produce nuclear weapons, for which there is very little evidence, people may have been looking in tye wrong direction.

There is quite good evidence for Iran's intention, and that is the motivation for Saudi to have nukes.

Iran does not only threaten Israel.
Did you see the video of a senior Iranian military commander recently killed in Syria?
He said that the war in Syria was not a civil war but a war between Islam and the infidel. Good against evil.
His Infidel in Syria is the Sunni Muslim.

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 07:45 AM

Saudi Arabia has missiles pointed at Israel, and it's nearer. If anything it is a greater theat.

The evidence about Iran proposing to make nuclear weapons is far from conclusive. It is basically evidence that if they wanted to develop such weapons they have the ability and resources to do so. So have a lot of other countries. Only a few have been so irresponsible and stupid as to do so, including the UK.

The only people in the area at present who have nuclear weapons are Pakistan and Israel. Getting rid of those should be the priority.

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: bobad
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 08:10 AM

An IAEA report published in 2011 said it had "credible" information that Iran had carried out activities "relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device". These included the acquisition of "nuclear weapons development information and documentation," work to develop "an indigenous design of a nuclear weapon including the testing of components", efforts "to procure nuclear related and dual use equipment and materials by military related individuals and entities", and work to "develop undeclared pathways for the production of nuclear material". Although some of the activities had civilian applications, others were "specific to nuclear weapons", the report noted. Iran said the IAEA's information was based on forgeries.

The report drew attention to a military complex at Parchin, south of Tehran, which the IAEA has been unable to visit since 2005. Reports surfaced in 2000 that a large containment vessel had been built there to conduct hydrodynamic experiments. The IAEA said such experiments, which involve using explosives in conjunction with nuclear material or surrogates, were "strong indicators of possible weapon development".

BBC News

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 08:40 AM

Which means essentially what I said - "It is basically evidence that if they wanted to develop such weapons they have the ability and resources to do so."

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: bobad
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 08:58 AM

Not to split hairs but you also said, to quote "Iran's supposed ambition to produce nuclear weapons, for which there is very little evidence"

There is plenty of evidence for Iran's "supposed" ambition to produce nuclear weapons. Not only from the IAEA but it is also the belief of the UN security council, the Saudis and many other countries including Israel who keep well informed of the goings on in their neighbourhood (see Operations Opera and Orchard).

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: bobad
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 09:05 AM

As for your comment "The only people in the area at present who have nuclear weapons are Pakistan and Israel. Getting rid of those should be the priority."

That is not the reason for why the Saudis feel they need nukes, which is the topic of this thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 10:01 AM

Yes, I said there was not too much evidence Iran plans to produce nuclear weapons, just evidence that they could if they wanted to. They could of course be lying when they say they have no intention of doing so, but then so could every other country that has the ability to make them and hasn't so far made them. That's a lot of countries.

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 10:02 AM

Those who oppose Iran acquiring nuclear capability cite as one of the reasons that it could lead to a nuclear arms race in the volatile Middle East. The Guardian's report validates their concerns.

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 06:23 PM

That is always a good reason to be opposed to any nation having the technology to make nuclear weapons, or acquiring the weapons in any other way, such as purchase.

Subject: RE: BS: Saudi Arabia's atom bombs?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Nov 13 - 12:59 PM

One aspect that doesn't receive much attention in the mainstream news, is the hatred the two major sects, Shiite and Sunni, have for each other within the Islamic religion. One key to a stable Middle East is that these two sects resolve their differences first, and not by acquiring nukes and pointing them at each other (or other non-Islamic countries).

If that ever gets accomplished, then the rest of the world will have to deal with a united Islamic front who has major disagreements with the "Great Satans," notably the UK and the USA. Then will the the Middle East arms race begin anew, with its focus on menacing those countries (and, of course, Israel)?