The Independent (UK) published this today:
“Western intelligence agencies believe that the Saudi monarchy paid for up to 60% of Pakistan’s nuclear programme in return for the ability to buy warheads for itself at short notice, the Guardian newspaper reported in 2010.” http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-says-it-wont-rule-out-building-nuclear-weapons-10139229.html
And from the Wall Street Journal on 11 March:
“Fears of Mideast arms race heighten as Riyadh secures nuclear deal with South Korea” http://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-nuclear-deal-raises-stakes-for-iran-talks-1426117583
That Article reports:
“In recent years, Saudi Arabia has also signed nuclear cooperation agreements with China, France and Argentina. Riyadh and Buenos Aires formed a joint-venture company, called Invania, specifically focused on developing nuclear power. “
I guess South Korea, facing a nuclear North Korea and an unreliable American protector, are covering their butts for the future with a nuclear weapons program as well. And Saudi Arabia is diversifying its sources to reduce their risk, and building a program totally under their control.
“In 2010, Saudi Arabia established the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, commonly known as K.A. Care. K.A. Care, a government agency, says on its website that it aims to generate 17.6 gigawatts of electricity using nuclear power by 2032, through up to 16 new reactors.”
Like the AQ Khan nuclear proliferation effort, different components (like enrichment) might be outsourced to other locations for a while, until a complete program can be established.
If you really think about it.... its kinda obvious the Saudi’s already have them.
We courted them for over 60 years, covertly giving them any thing they wanted no questions asked. The nicest planes, tanks, ships and technology. We gave the bomb to Israel, why not them? Their policies influence the economic stability of other nuclear countries who also want influence with them. Think Russia, China, Pakistan. They are Sunni Muslim, same as Pakistan. They feel threatened by a nuclear armed Iran enacting their millennia old goal of spreading Shia across the entire subcontinent. And last but not least, they are outrageously wealthy enough to buy anything they want. From scientists, to materials, technology and even complete bombs.
Of course they have bombs. Probably nicer ones than we do!
The Japanese will do it next. And they’ll have some nice shiny new nukes in less than 30 days.
L