May 2007

Nuclear Energy Update
May 7 - May 11, 2007

Welcome to Nuclear Energy Update. This is a weekly update compiled by The Eisenhower Institute of the most significant news items in international, domestic, and scientific nuclear energy news.

 

International

Pakistan Currently Constructing Nuclear Reprocessing Plant
Pakistan has nearly completed construction for its first commercial-scale nuclear fuel reprocessing plant. The plant, located in southern Punjab, would allow Pakistan to produce the weapons-grade plutonium necessary for its nuclear weapons program. The plant began in a 1974 contract with France in which Pakistan would construct the necessary building and France would build a plant capable of reprocessing nuclear fuel. This deal was cancelled in 1978 due to international pressure, but Pakistan had already secured the plant's blueprints. With these blueprints, Pakistan continued construction and now sources say, "The reprocessing plant is nearing completion."
(AP http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/4573 5/07/07)

Iran Compromises, Ending Deadlock
After six days of deadlock, Iran agreed to accept a compromise at a nuclear conference attended by 130 nations. The conference had been stalled since it began on April 30 due to Iran's disagreement over the "need for full compliance" with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). Iran's delegates felt that language would make the nation more accountable for its refusal to stop uranium enrichment, as demanded by the U.N. Security Council. South Africa offered a new amendment requiring countries to obey "all provisions" of the NPT, and Iran agreed to the compromise. U.S. delegates felt that the differing language did not truly change the meaning and Iran's resistance was unnecessary. Chief U.S. delegate Ford explains "It's been disappointing that as a result of Iranian obstruction of procedure, it has taken so long to get to the point of beginning substantive discussion." Other nations believe that South Africa's amendment will implicitly require nations like the U.S. to disarm, making it fairer to non-nuclear states.
(USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-05-08-iran-conference_N.htm?csp=34 5/08/07)

Germany Phasing Out Nuclear Power but Increasing Research Spending
Germany officially plans to end its nuclear program, but has announced a significant increase in funding for nuclear research. This creates a mixed message about Germany's long term nuclear plans. In 2000, Germany renounced nuclear power and its nuclear program is scheduled to end in 2020. Meanwhile, the nation is planning to increase research in nuclear waste storage and nuclear energy security by $40 million from 2008 to 2011. Supporters of nuclear power see this as a step in the right direction. Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel explains, "I don't believe that anyone could be against further research in this area." Although the potential advantages of nuclear energy have received increasing recognition around the world, Germany is committed to ending its nuclear program. Green Party leader Reinhard Bütikofer protests, "Each Euro which is spent on dead-end nuclear technologies is an irresponsible waste of money."
(Spiegel http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/may2007/gb20070508_629318.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily 5/08/07)

Pakistan's Nuclear Smuggling Ring Could Resume Business.
The nuclear smuggling ring led by A.Q. Kahn was dismantled three years ago, but experts believe it could begin dealing nuclear materials once again. Kahn himself is under house arrest and forty of ring's highest profile members are currently in prison but this may not be enough. According to a report released by London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) smuggling could resume under the guidance of less notorious members. The report explains "At least some of Khan's associates appear to have escaped law-enforcement attention and could, after a period of lying low, resume their black market business." Due to the previous success of this smuggling ring, these associates could significantly increase the availability of nuclear material, which could end up in the hands of terrorist organizations. The report warns "the strongest evidence of a real demand for illicit nuclear material involves groups set on terrorism, not nation states."
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070509/wl_afp/uspakistanirannuclearpolitics_070509020627 5/08/07)

India Tests Missile Capable of Carrying Nuclear Payload
India successfully tested its Prithvi-1 (Earth 1) ballistic missile, capable of carrying a 1-tonne nuclear or conventional warhead. The 28 foot missile travels at 30 kilometers a minutes, reaching a maximum distance of 250 kilometers. The Prithvi-1 missile is the first India-built ballistic missile and will be followed by Agni, Trishul, Akash and Nag missiles. The missile is a surface-to-surface missile, designed for attacks on troops or armored formations. Because India is capable of producing both nuclear warheads and now nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, it can independently carry out a nuclear attack.
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070509/wl_asia_afp/indiamilitarymissile_070509060305 5/09/07)

Environmentalists Question IPCC Support of Nuclear Power
Last week, the UN supported IPCC released a report encouraging a decreased reliance on fossil fuels and an increased need for alternative energy sources such as nuclear power. Since the release of this report, environmentalists have repeatedly spoken out against nuclear power, disagreeing with its alleged safety, affordability, and need. Brent Blackwelder, president of Friends of Earth, protested, "Nuclear power threatens humans and the environment. It is not necessary to combat climate change. Their report looks like a compromise rather than a serious plan." Many have also commented on UN estimations that the disaster at Chernobyl caused only 4,000 to 9,000 cancer deaths; a Greenpeace report claims the disaster caused nearly 100,000 life threatening cancers. Despite their protests, several countries (including the United States) have eagerly increased their dependence on nuclear energy.
(OneWorld http://news.yahoo.com/s/oneworld/20070509/wl_oneworld/45361490311178733027 5/09/07)

Russian-Kazakh Agree to Build Uranium Enrichment Facility in Siberia
After a meeting between Russian and Kazakh officials, a new uranium enrichment plant will be built to supply nuclear fuel to developing nations. Although many believe that nuclear energy could potentially help developing nations overcome energy shortages, some fear that these countries cannot be trusted with enrichment facilities that can also produce fuel for nuclear weapons. Russia hopes that joint enrichment facilities supervised by the IAEA could produce nuclear fuel for developing nations without risking proliferation of nuclear weapons. Putin called the new plant "a very promising area of cooperation" for both Russia and Kazakh.
(AFX http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2007/05/10/afx3706952.html 5/10/07)

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

TVA Expected to Restart Browns Ferry Unit 1 Reactor
The resurgence in nuclear energy in the United States will continue this week with the opening of the Unit 1 reactor in Athens, Alabama. The reactor's reopening comes after a five year restoration project which cost $1.8 billion. The restoration of Unit 1 has immense symbolic significance; the Unit 1 reactor narrowly avoided meltdown in 1975 and was shutdown within ten years, but will reopen as TVA turns increasingly towards nuclear energy. Scott Peterson, vice president of the Nuclear Energy Institute explained, "You could almost point to Browns Ferry Unit 1 as really the beginning of nuclear energy's rejuvenation in the United States." The reopening of Unit 1 could be followed by the construction of a second reactor at Watts Bar and a new two-reactor plant at Bellefonte. The nuclear resurgence is expected to continue due to increasing demand for cleaner energy and increasing costs of suppressing coal emissions. Jerry Paul from the Howard Baker Center for Public Policy explains "It is all about climate change and emissions. It is about economics and the recognition that nuclear power has the lowest operating cost for any form of baseload generation."
(AP http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/.txt 5/07/07)

Bush Will Still Consider Military Intervention in Iran
According to Condoleezza Rice, President Bush will not rule out military action in Iran. Because of Iran's resistance Rice believes "The American president will not abandon the military option and I believe that we do not want him to do so." Although western nations have grown suspicious of Iran's supposedly peaceful nuclear program, Iran has ignored UN sanctions and the international community's request for it to end enrichment. Analysts suspect that the UN sanctions have hurt Iran's economy by damaging business and slowing investment. Due to the potential for success through diplomacy, military action is only one of many options Bush will consider. According to Rice, President Bush is "committed to the diplomatic option. If the world remained strong, there would be a chance for the success of the diplomatic option."
(Reuters http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/08/AR2007050800646.html 5/08/07)

NRC Reveals Nuclear Spill to Congress 14 Months Later
Last Friday, the NRC submitted a report to congress detailing a near nuclear chain-reaction accident that occurred in March 2006. At the Tennessee facility, over 9 gallons of highly enriched uranium solution spilled, dripping into a protected glovebox as well as across the floor into an old elevator pit. The NRC reported "If a critical accident had occurred in the filtered glovebox or the elevator pit, it is likely that at least one worker would have received an exposure high enough to cause acute health effects or death." Despite the potential risk to the pubic, the incident would have remained unreported if not for laws requiring the NRC to annually report "abnormal occurrences" to congress every year. The plant, run by Nuclear Fuel Services Inc., produces nuclear fuel for Navy submarines and commercial reactors.
(AP http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070509/nrc.shtml 5/09/07)

House Armed Service Committee Proposes Large Cuts
Although the Bush administration requested billions for missile defense, space weapons, and nuclear weapons they may receive nearly 10% less than they hoped for. The committee questioned the need for a new Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) and the program was cut by $20 million of the original $88 million. Due to the administration's lack of clear nuclear strategy, the RRW program will be reviewed by a special commission on nuclear non-proliferation. Missile defense facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic were also hit hard, losing $160 million from $310 million requested. Also experiencing cuts was Anti-Ballistic Laser (ABL) program, Space Tracking and Survelliance, Multiple Kill Vehicles, and Missile Defense Space Test Bed. Chairman Ellen Tauscher explained that these programs risked sparking a space arms race.
(RIA http://en.rian.ru/world/20070510/65203332.html 5/10/07)

 

 

 

 

 

Opinion

 

"Iran's nuclear-plant ad should send shivers"
According to Claudia Rosett's editorial in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the international community should be more concerned about Iran's nuclear ambitions after the appearance of an ad last week asking for bids to build nuclear power plants in Iran. The ad ran in all editions of the International Herald Tribune asking for bids to build "Two Large Scale Nuclear Power Plants in Iran." Rosett explains, "That's remarkable, at a time when Iran has been flagrantly defying U.N. Security Council resolutions calling on Tehran to halt its nuclear bomb program - with both the United Nations and U.S. Treasury calling for a freeze on the assets worldwide of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, on behalf of which the ad was placed." The ad received little attention from the global media, but clearly shows Iran's complete lack of regard for the international community and unwillingness to suspend its nuclear program. Rosett continues, "This spectacularly embodies a message that is no fiction and no laughing matter. Iran's rulers are in no way taking seriously the diplomatic calls and hand-waving from the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to desist in their nuclear bomb program."
(Philadelphia Enquirer http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/editorial/17190824.htm 5/07/07)

 

 

Past Updates

April 23 - 27, 2007
April 30 - May 4, 2007

 

 

Credits

Compiled and Edited by: Aaron Albert

 

Nuclear Energy Update
May 14 - May 18, 2007

Welcome to Nuclear Energy Update. This is a weekly update compiled by The Eisenhower Institute of the most significant news items in international, domestic, and scientific nuclear energy news.

 

International

Indonesia Planning its First Nuclear Power Plant
In efforts to meet the increasing demand for energy, Indonesia is going forward with plans to build its first nuclear power plant. Construction is expected to begin by 2010, allowing the plant to be fully operational by 2017. Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro explains that in the future "nuclear power will play a more important role in our energy mix." This plant will be part of the nation's long term plan to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and construct four nuclear plants by 2017. Although nuclear power has been praised as a promising clean energy source, many fear that it is not a safe solution for Indonesia. The nation is situated in an area known for vulnerability to disasters like earthquakes, floods, and landslides. If such a disaster were to strike near a nuclear facility, it could release nuclear toxins into the surrounding area. Such a nuclear leak could be especially dangerous in Indonesia because the country is so densely populated; even a small nuclear disaster would endanger many people.
(Asia Times http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/IE15Ae01.html 5/14/07)

New Zealand Sailors Genetically Damaged By Nuclear Tests
Doctors determined that nuclear testing during Operation Grapple has caused significant health damage to on looking sailors. Between 1957 and 1958, Britain conducted nine nuclear tests on the Christmas and Malden Islands. These tests were witnessed by 551 of the navy's sailors, sometimes from only 80 kilometers away. The New Zealand Veterans have persistently complained of health problems, and now research suggests these nuclear tests likely caused significant genetic damage. The study, lead by Dr. Al Rowland at Massey University, found cancer causing "rouge cells" and blamed them on exposure to nuclear radiation. Prime Minister Helen Clark voiced sympathy explaining, "By today's standards it seems extraordinary that people were ordered to stand on the deck of a ship and witness a nuclear test."

Iran's Enrichment Program Advancing Quickly
Recent inspection by the IAEA found that Iran has solved many of its technical difficulties and is now enriching uranium at a large scale. Although it was thought that Iran was not yet able to begin its substantial enrichment program, inspectors determined that about 1,300 centrifuges are currently producing nuclear fuel. Mohamed ElBaradei, IAEA director general, told papers, "We believe they pretty much have the knowledge about how to enrich. From now on, it is simply a question of perfecting that knowledge. People will not like to hear it, but that's a fact." These findings reaffirm fears that Iran will advance its nuclear program, despite protests from the international community. The UN has already issued two sanctions; Iran's recent progress will likely draw a third sanction and possibly renew discussions of military action against Iran.
(Reuters http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN1434902820070515 5/15/07)

US Negotiator Asserts that Disputes with North Korea Will Be Resolved
Although negotiations with North Korea have been stalled by disputes over $25 million in frozen North Korean assets, the chief US negotiator says the financial dispute will be resolved. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said, "I can assure you ... we are not going to allow U$25 million or even US $26 million to get between us and a deal that will finally do something about nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula. We are going after this problem until we solve this problem." The funds have already been made available, but banks have been reluctant to touch the money and North Korea is requesting a wire transfer to ensure that the money is clean. North Korea has agreed to end its nuclear program once the funds are received.
(IHT http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/16/america/NA-GEN-US-Koreas-Nuclear.php 5/16/07)

Islamic Countries Defend Iran's Nuclear Program
After three days of talks, the 57 member nations of Organization of the Islamic Conference voiced support for Iran's peaceful use of nuclear power. Iran criticized international resistance to its nuclear program, insisting that its program is peaceful and protected by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki stated, "Iran's activity is peaceful, legal, and permission for such activities comes from our membership of NPT, not from permission from specific country or countries." He went on to explain that the current treatment of Iran is hypocritical. Mottaki protested, ""If science is good and technology in different areas is good, (it) must be good for everybody. If some area is prohibited, it should be prohibited for everybody."
(Kyodo http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070517/kyodo/d8p65j2g0.html 5/17/07)

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

Hunger Strike at Berkley Protests University's Nuclear Research
Several students and alumni of UC Berkley have initiated a hunger strike in protest of the university's ties to nuclear research laboratories. One participant explained "(Education) is the most powerful, positive thing you can do as humans. Nuclear weapons are the most destructive, negative thing I can think of." A total of 10 participants are scheduled to fast eight days total. This protest is part of larger resistance within the UC system which has led to several protests and inspired 40 students to fast until the university ends its involvement in nuclear research. School officials have voiced concern for the students' health as UC spokesman Chris Harrington explains, "We urge them to eat. This is not a constructive way to open dialogue on a critical issue. We urge them to be mindful of the health consequences."

Company Defends Itself after Acid Leak
Although the Davis-Besse reactor was forced to shutdown in 2002, owners believe new evidence will remove some of the blame. After an acid lead caused massive damage at a nuclear power plant near Toledo, FirstEnergy Corp was forced to pay a record $5.45 million in fines to the NRC. Initial reports concluded that the leak began as cracks as early as 1987 which then worsened slowly, leading to a leak between 1994 and 1996. Because this leak developed so slowly, proper inspection should have recognized and fixed the leak long before the near accident. A new report issued by a Exponent Failure Analysis Associates, a consultant to FirstEnergy, indicates that the leak more likely began between 2001 and 2002, developing later and more quickly than initially thought. FirstEnergy spokesman Todd Schneider explains, "It's not a matter of blame. The company has done the right thing throughout this process."
(AP http://www.newsnet5.com/news/13310947/detail.html 5/15/07)

Nuclear Security Guards Cheat on Test
A security supervisor at North Carolina's Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant handed guards answers to their annual recertification test. As a result, many are questioning whether guards are properly prepared to trained to protect the plant. The security company, Process Energy and Securitas Security Services USA, believes that all guards have been properly tested. Julie Hans, a spokeswoman for Progress Energy said, "We had every one of our security guards retested using an alternate testing practice where training personnel rather than platoon supervisors oversaw and proctored the exams to add a layer of independence. We continue to use that practice." Because Process Energy staff appeared to act in willful violation, the NRC may issue sanctions or civil penalties. Jim Warren, executive director of N.C. WARN, added "Qualification tests are essential to the defense of nuclear power plants."
(New Observer http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/574198.html 5/16/07)

 

 

 

 

 

Opinion

 

"UCs Should Separate From Nuclear Plants"
In Will Parrish's editorial in the Daily Nexus, he asserts that UC should end its involvement in research laboratories charged with developing nuclear weapons. Parrish adds that UC receives no educational gain from these laboratories because they "do not really ‘manage' LANL and LLNL. The Regents only rubber-stamp everything the labs do, providing no actual oversight of their programs and policies." He argues that the university agrees to this only because the project generates over $2 billion a year. Parrish describes the ongoing hunger strike as a "bold act of civil resistance" and adds that if UC is forced to pull out, it will be a huge strike to America's nuclear weapons complex. He continues to warn, "if the regents fail to withdraw their weapons lab management, many of those participating, including myself, have pledged to sustain the hunger fasts indefinitely."
(DailyNexis http://www.dailynexus.com/article.php?a=14143 5/15/07)

"As Globe Heats Up, Nation Warms to Nuclear Power"
An editorial found in USA Today seems unconcerned about the current resurgence in nuclear power. The writer recognizes the risk apparent in previous meltdowns but asserts that today's nuclear power is safer. The writer explains "A meltdown at a nuclear plant could be catastrophic but there has been no repeat of Three Mile Island, and many new safety measures are in place." More important, the article indicates, is increasing concerns for global warming. The author writes, "Nuclear units emit no greenhouse gases from plant operations, which makes nuclear a compellingly green alternative to coal, oil and natural gas." The cautious endorsement of nuclear power explains that nuclear power has its problems, but is presently the best available option for clean safe energy. The writer closes, "Nuclear power isn't a perfect answer, but safely managed and regulated, it needs to be a bigger part of the nation's energy future."
(USA Today http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20070516/cm_ 5/16/07)

 

 

Past Updates

April 23 - 27, 2007
April 30 - May 4, 2007
May 7 - May 11, 2007

 

 

Credits

Compiled and Edited by: Aaron Albert

 

Nuclear Energy Update
May 21 - May 25, 2007

Welcome to Nuclear Energy Update. This is a weekly update compiled by The Eisenhower Institute of the most significant news items in international, domestic, and scientific nuclear energy news.

 

International

US Hosts 1st GNEP Meeting
The United States, China, France, Japan and Russia all met earlier this week to discus plans for global nuclear energy cooperation. Many believe that nuclear energy will help meet the increasing need for electrical energy while curbing global warming, but some fear that it may be unsafe to allow all countries access to nuclear technology. Through the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP), nations with developed and safe nuclear capabilities would provide nuclear fuel to other nations for peaceful use. The program shows great promises; as US Energy Secretary Steve Bodman explains, "Many countries have expressed interest in joining GNEP, and we need to discuss how to achieve the major objectives and work with new countries." Although this was only the first meeting, participants were optimistic. Bodman said that the meeting was "productive" and fostered "good discussion." Current members of GNEP will meet again this September in Vienna.
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070522/pl__070522035308 5/22/07)

US and India Working on Nuclear Deal
Despite persistent and substantial disagreements, India and the United States are still trying to work out a deal for nuclear cooperation. The deal would give India access to US nuclear fuel and reactors and would open India's nuclear energy program to inspectors. Some protests, however, that India's weapons program will not be inspected and believe that the US should not cooperate with India, which has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Although there was progress in early may, negotiations became sticky regarding some of the more controversial points. India, for instance, has refused to agree to measures allowing the US to stop cooperation if India tests nuclear weapons. Some of India's requested conditions would violate the Hyde act and other US laws, and would likely be rejected by congress. Technical experts from India and the US have been meeting this week in London in an attempt to resolve these differences.
(Reuters http://www.eisenhowerinstitute.org/_continue_contacts_on_nuclear_deal 5/21/07)

UN Report to Criticize Iran's Nuclear Progress
There have been mixed opinions regarding Iran's nuclear progress, but an upcoming report by the UN nuclear watchdog is expected to be critical of the countries continued defiance. The nation has continued its enrichment program despite international opposition and two UN sanctions. Iran has been defended by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei who believes Iran has a right to at least some uranium enrichment. The United States has been one of the most vocal opponents of Iran's nuclear program, insisting that enrichment could help Iran produce the fuel necessary for nuclear weapons. Other nations, including France, have agreed to US concerns. A spokesman from the French foreign minister explained, "Our permanent representative in Vienna will join the American initiative. We share, along with several other partners, the substance of the concerns expressed by our American partners." Continuation of Iran's nuclear program could lead to more UN sanctions.
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070523/wl_afp/irannuclearpoliticsiaea_070523121224 5/23/07)

Iran May Be Planning European Attacks
Some believe that Iranian agents are planning attacks on European targets, including nuclear power plants. This suspicion stems from comments by security analysts who think Iran is drawing up plans for attacks in Europe and scouting out nuclear power stations. President of the European Strategic Intelligence and Security Centre, Claude Moniquet said, "We have serious signals that something is under preparation in Europe. Iranian intelligence is working extremely hard to prepare its people and to prepare actions." It is expected that the increasing tension has stemmed from European resistance to Iran's nuclear program. Britain's Conservative Party leader David Cameron commented, "Every week, every month that goes by brings Iran closer to possessing a nuclear weapon."
(AP http://www..com.au/news/world/european-.html 5/24/07)

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

Cleanup Continues at West Valley
An involved cleanup process continues at the West Valley nuclear waste site in New York. Al Konetzni, President of West Valley Nuclear Fuel Service Corp, is optimistic about the progress and believes that the ongoing cleanup will reduce the public risks associated with nuclear waste. Konetzni was happy to see that New York senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer, as well as Congressman John Kuhl Jr. "seem to be very much on board with this view of the future." Less contaminated portions on the site will be brought to a less costly "interim end state" for long term storage. The work, however is far from done and there is concern over who will pay for and oversee clean up of the sites more contaminated areas. Moreover, some are worried about "a plume of strontium-90-contaminated water leaking beneath the Process Building." Citizen advisory group, the West Valley Citizen Task Force, will look to the DOE for suggestions on how to best advance cleanup efforts.
(Buffalo News http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/otherwny/story/81326.html 5/22/07)

US to Let START Expire
The United States currently plans to let an important nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia expire in 2009. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) has required deep cuts in the nations' nuclear arsenals, from 10,000 to no more than 6,000 each since its inception. START will likely be replaced by a new treaty that depends on less invasive verification methods and holds less stringent weapon limits. The Bush administration's preference for less rigorous arms control has been criticized by arms experts but, as Assistant Secretary of State Paula DeSutter explained, START is outdated and unnecessarily cumbersome. Russian officials have agreed that START should end, but hope it will be replaced by a new treaty requiring further arms reduction. Senator Joe Biden commented, "It's a ‘lose-lose situation' for the U.S. and Russia if START were to lapse. The last thing U.S. or Russia needs is another arms race and the START treaty helps ensure we never head down that path again."
(Reuters http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070522/pl_nm/usa_russia_start_dc_1 5/22/07)

RRW Program Cut Completely
The Reliable Replacement Warhead program, set to develop the next generation of US nuclear warheads, was eliminated completely by the House Appropriations Subcommittee. Although the RRW program was intended to develop safer and more reliable nuclear weapons to help reduce the US arsenal, the development of new nuclear weapons has been viewed with suspicion internationally. Moreover, the program was started due to claims that the current nuclear weapons were aging quickly and becoming unreliable. New research suggests that the current weapons will be dependable for many years. The House Armed Services Strategic Forces subcommittee cut the RRW program by $20 million and said no further funding should be allowed until it was submitted to bipartisan review. The RRW program was then eliminated completely during appropriation. Subcommittee Chairman Visclosky explained "If Congress gives a green light to this program in our current world environment . . . I believe that this will be misunderstood by our allies, exploited by our adversaries, [and] complicate our work to prevent the spread and use of nuclear weapons."
(Washington Post http://www./www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/23/AR2007052301512.html 5/24/07)

Security Questioned as Strike Continues at Nuclear Weapons Plant
Security workers at nuclear weapons plant outside Amarillo, TX have been on strike for six weeks and many fear that present security for the facility is not sufficient. Although the 24 square miles plant houses completely assembled nuclear weapons, it is now secured by a small replacement force of 210 guards. This is about half the usual amount and the replacement workers are not as familiar with the site . As the strike continues, some fear that the plant's security might not be sufficient. Energy Department's top security officer, Glenn S. Podonsky, is planning to visit the facility and assess its security next week. William J. Desmond, chief of defense nuclear security of NNSA seems less concerned, commenting "I am convinced that the Pantex site is secure."
(La Times http://www./www.latimes.nation/la-na-danger24may24,1,2931010.story?track=rss 5/24/07)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opinion

 

"Try jawboning Iran, not chest-thumping"
An op-ed by Clifford Kupchan and Ray Takeyh in the LA Times outlines a new, less combative strategy for dealing with Iran. Kupchan and Takeyh explain that Iran's political system involves several parties with different opinions of America. Threats used by the Bush administration give more power to the conservatives headed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who oppose talks with the US. They believe, "for negotiation with Tehran to succeed, threats won't work. That's because threats will only strengthen the hand of a powerful Iranian faction that is opposed to talks." They believe that the US should stop using threats and start focusing on serious diplomatic talks. Kupchan and Takeyh write, "Along with a cessation of threats, Washington should create an environment conducive to diplomacy." They admit that even threat free talks may not work, but the US has to try. The authors believe that a change of strategy is needed urgently because "Iran's nuclear program is progressing quickly. Iraq is taking a huge toll on the U.S. Israel's patience with Tehran's nuclear and diplomatic advances is growing thin."
(LA Times http://www./la-oe-kupchan23may23,1,1024755.story 5/23/07)

 

 

Past Updates

April 23 - 27, 2007
April 30 - May 4, 2007
May 7 - May 11, 2007
May 14 - May 18, 2007