[Jim Noble]

>>I fail to see how a sub-critical test by a nation with proven nuclear weapons capability will deter a bunch of wacko terrorists<<

The only possible explanation for this test is that we want to make sure the stuff still works.

If you were involved in knocking down the WTC and you knew America was dusting off the nukes, you would sh*t a brick.

As far as deterrence, I am sure that the word has gone out to Baghdad, Damascus, and other places known and unknown that an Ohio-class boomer is sitting in the Indian Ocean, and that if ANY-and I mean ANY-nuclear explosion or near explosion takes place in the United States that they are all going to fry.

As Napolean said-"pour encourager les autres".

[Aric2000]

and if there are any releases of a biological or chemical nature released ANYWHERE, they are post toasties!!

That boomer is probably out there, and probably not by itself!! No, the terrorists may not fear for thier lives, but what use is the Jihad if there is nothing left of the middle east to fight for!! Yes, the terrorists had better think long and hard before releasing any NBC weapons, because all those that they fight for and against in the middle East will be nothing but radioactive green glass if they do.

[Poohbah]

Actually, it wasn't Napoleon, it was Voltaire, commenting on the execution of a French admiral for losing a fight with the Royal Navy.

[Coop]

The only possible explanation for this test is that we want to make sure the stuff still works.

I agree. The deterrence stuff, I don't buy.