[SEGUET]

"IRAQ is using pirated copies of German equipment to process nuclear material in ..."

Why would they need pirated copies of anything - when all you need is a library card or access to the internet - no big deal about specs for centrifuges.

[JasonC]

Specs don't build the things. The problem is -making- one very close to perfect, not the knowing that you need it to be very close to perfect. The German machine tool industry, the US machine tool industry, they are up to such things. No doubt the Japanese likewise. It is not at all trivial for just anybody.

[SSN558]

"Why would they need pirated copies of anything - when all you need is a library card or access to the internet - no big deal about specs for centrifuges."

Well for one thing access to certain seamless tubings, maraging steels, etc. might raise a few eyebrows.