Replies

U.S. uncertain of Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities

January 17, 2000
Web posted at: 9:24 p.m. EST (0224 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. officials say they can no longer rule out the possibility that Iran may have acquired the elements for a nuclear bomb on the black market in the former Soviet Union

http://edition.cnn.com/2000/US/01/17/cia.iran.bomb.02/

Moreover, the gigantic size of Russia's nuclear complex means that Russia could still produce new nuclear weapons at Cold War rates that no other country could match, should political and economic circumstances radically change.

In short, the United States has several urgent reasons to collaborate with Russia on the economic stabilization and downsizing of its nuclear complex-a downsizing that is also in Russia's interests.

http://www.bullatomsci.org/issues/1998/so98/so98bunn.html

How is Russian military might, both conventional and nuclear, faring in these circumstances? The nadir of its erosion has been reached. Its restoration to a minimum level of effectiveness has begun. Without a strong army, navy and air force, among other factors, Russia will disintegrate, following in the footsteps of the Soviet Union. External circumstances are equally important for Russia's long-term security.

http://www.gromyko.ru/english/cwd/nuclear.htm

Subsidizing Russia's Nuclear Scientists
By J. Michael Waller
Published: Monday, April 5, 1999

Nearly six years ago, Congress and the Clinton administration launched a visionary scheme to help the scientists and engineers who had been part of making and designing the Soviet weapons of mass destruction to put their skills to civilian use. The goal was to prevent them from working for rogue regimes such as Iran, Iraq or North Korea. As this Department of Energy effort progressed, the administration assured Congress of success upon success.

http://www.insightmag.com/news/1999/04/05/TheLastWord/Subsidizing.Russias.Nuclear.Scientists-215354.shtml