[TexKat]

Cal if you have not already read this pretty good weekend reading on some of Russia's oil and pipeline background prior to the arrest of Kordorkosky.

Ex-Soviet Oil Exports: Are the Russians Really Coming?

[all4one]

Bomb Bluster or Buildup? Nigerian Officials Scramble to Allay Atomic Fears

By Dulue Mbachu Associated Press Writer
Published: Mar 5, 2004

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) - The Nigerian government denied Friday that it ever sought atomic weapons, distancing itself from earlier statements that suggested its military wanted to develop nuclear capability.

Friday's denial, coupled with the other claims, left experts unsure if the African powerhouse was trying to mask its nuclear ambitions, or if it was guilty only of government bungling.

The Nigerian vice president's office said five weeks ago that a visiting North Korean delegation had offered the country missile technology. On Wednesday, the Defense Ministry cited a top Pakistani official as saying Pakistan was trying to decide how to help the Nigerian military "strengthen its military capability and to acquire nuclear power." ……..

Excerpted from: http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAJBI4RGRD.html

[Calpernia]

Thanks Tex. Marking to read over the weekend.