Pakistan Rushing Weapons Grade Nuclear Reactor

Article

New satellite images have shown the alarming speed at which Pakistan is constructing a weapons-grade nuclear reactor. The aerial images, taken on April 20, show the rapid building progress of the fourth reactor to produce plutonium in Pakistan's Khushab facility. The site was barren in 2009 and the facility 'costing billions' was undetectable by satellite just 17 months ago, but has since grown at an alarming rate.

The facility in Khushab is the fastest growing nuclear program in the world, with the speed of the latest reactor's construction prompting concern from U.S. officials.

'And that nobody in the U.S. or in the Pakistani government says anything about this — especially in this day and age—is perplexing.'

Okay, so without getting into a debate over whether or not Pakistan should have nuclear weapons; they already do.

In his book Bomb Scare, Joseph Cirincione outlines what he believes to be the five major reasons why states actively pursue nuclear proliferation:
1. Security -- States acquire nuclear weapons to protect their own sovereignty
2. Prestige -- States acquire nuclear weapons to fulfill perceptions of national destiny or to be viewed as a "great power" in international affairs
3. Domestic Politics -- States acquire nuclear weapons when a set of well-placed bureaucratic actors convince political leaders of the need for them.
4. Technology -- States acquire nuclear weapons because they have the technological ability to do so
5. Economics -- Economics do not generally do not generally drive a state to pursue nuclear weapons although advocates of nuclear weapons do argue do argue that a nuclear defense is cheaper than a conventional defense

Now I do not possess enough knowledge to understand the Pakistani government and foreign policy. I also believe, as does Cirincione, that some states possess a combination of these factors.

I would love to hear your insight onto the buildup of the nuclear reactor in recent years and if you believe this is due to Pakistan's relationship with India, the West, China or a combination.

I wouldn't be surprised if Pakistan were seeking nuclear weapons for protection from India, in case of escalation.
Not just militarily, but mainly to "carry a bigger stick" in international negotiations.

The reason they can afford to do this is because all the money Obama and Hillary gave them over the last few years....

The projects are part of a $7.5 billion aid effort to convince Pakistanis that Washington is not only focused on backing the country's fight against Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, but is also dedicated to improving the lives of average citizens.

Source
If Pakistan was so desperate for our $7.5billion to improve the lifes of their people then how can they afford a weapons grade nuclear reactor? Pakistan knew were Osama was and Pakistan has been helping terrorists. They are going to be a very big threat.

in 2008 Pakistan bribed the US for more aid to keep their nuclear weapons from the terrorists... If they can't afford to keep their nukes safe how can they afford to build more reactors?

A Pakistani military offensive against insurgent hideouts prompted suspension of controversial peace talks with the Taliban on Monday, and the country's president sought additional foreign aid to assure that its nuclear arms remain in "safe hands."

Source

Something is not right with this situation.

Although the U.S. has provided Pakistan with $20 billion in military and economic aid since September 11, 2001, it has been said that there is 'no explanation' as to how Pakistan are paying for the latest reactor.

Source from OP's article.

Originally posted by jaydeePNW
The reason they can afford to do this is because all the money Obama and Hillary gave them over the last few years....

The projects are part of a $7.5 billion aid effort to convince Pakistanis that Washington is not only focused on backing the country's fight against Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, but is also dedicated to improving the lives of average citizens.

Source
If Pakistan was so desperate for our $7.5billion to improve the lifes of their people then how can they afford a weapons grade nuclear reactor? Pakistan knew were Osama was and Pakistan has been helping terrorists. They are going to be a very big threat.

in 2008 Pakistan bribed the US for more aid to keep their nuclear weapons from the terrorists... If they can't afford to keep their nukes safe how can they afford to build more reactors?

Yes, but don't forget the treasure that Bush jr., cheney, rumsfeld and rice donated to the security of our nation during their war on terror.

A Pakistani military offensive against insurgent hideouts prompted suspension of controversial peace talks with the Taliban on Monday, and the country's president sought additional foreign aid to assure that its nuclear arms remain in "safe hands."

Source

Something is not right with this situation.

Although the U.S. has provided Pakistan with $20 billion in military and economic aid since September 11, 2001, it has been said that there is 'no explanation' as to how Pakistan are paying for the latest reactor.

Source from OP's article.

edit on 18-5-2011 by jaydeePNW because: spelling

edit on 18-5-2011 by jaydeePNW because: (no reason given)

edit on 18-5-2011 by jaydeePNW because: added more ex-text

Good!! F they had some real guts they would nuke the American bases and send Americans back home. Pretty shame ful americNs are crying about this. If drones were killing Americans right and left and another foreign country invaded sovereign airspace I would hope Americans would do something but I realize recent events pretty much kill any sort notion. I mean 911 alone proves the American public are a bunch of cowards. Add in the tsa groping, congressional ribberstamping, and Americans just penchant for asshattery and we have a new color of yellow the likes of which has never been seen before. At least the pakis are smart enough to know bullies only understand brute force. I hope they use it

reply to post by seekingtruths

Bush and Co. definatly don't have clean hands in this mess. No argument there.