Six Arab States Join Nuclear Race?
Just came across this piece of news that some people are portraying as such a big catastrophe...
The move, which follows the failure by the West to curb Iran’s controversial nuclear programme, could see a rapid spread of nuclear reactors in one of the world’s most unstable regions, stretching from the Gulf to the Levant and into North Africa.
The countries involved were named by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Tunisia and the UAE have also shown interest.
All want to build civilian nuclear energy programmes, as they are permitted to under international law. But the sudden rush to nuclear power has raised suspicions that the real intention is to acquire nuclear technology which could be used for the first Arab atomic bomb...
[Source: Times Online]
As a Tunisian, I know that the only interest Tunisia could have in acquiring nuclear technology is to have an option for cheap, safe energy and maybe desalination.
Tunisia isn't an oil rich country, so fuel and energy cost the country dearly, especially with the government subsidizing a chunk of the cost. I think it's only normal for a country like ours to think of cheaper energy alternatives and for the international community to help as much as possible.
As for the other Arab countries listed, I don't really think any of them have any plans to start a nuclear weapons programme or any real reason to.
Plus, take another look at the list, the countries there are the Arab countries that have some of the best ties with the US and Europe, with governments that basically do more than their best to align their decisions and positions with those asked of them.
In fact, if I were one of those conspiracy theorists, I'd think that someone told them to say they were interested, coincidentally at the same time, so that more pressure could be put on Iran, and on the security council to get a green light to do something about it, as if that is really needed.
Israeli exports to Arab states up by 68% IAEA rejects Arab call to discuss Israel U.S. Legitimizes Use of Nuclear Weapons Iran And Its Nuclear Weapons You Know You're Arab If...Countries like Egypt and Algeria abandonned their plans to build nuclear power plants some 20 years ago. Saudia arabia is in no need for alternative energy for many decades to come. I believe that these countries decisions were greatly influenced by the north korean alledged nuclear bombs and the iranian attempts to enrich (i)ran-ium. Tunisia and morocco have no serious conflicts with any neighboring country. UAE and saudia arabia are in direct conflict with Iran, egypt wants to remain a leading arab country eventhough they need cheaper energy. Algeria? no idea!
Tarek
Les pays arabes ne sont prêts à produire de l’énergie à partir de centrales nucléaires. C’est mon avis personnel.
Je ne parle pas des aspects technologiques (les pays arabes achèteront des centrales clés en main, comme l’a fait l’Espagne et l’Afrique du Sud).
Posted by: Saied at November 4, 2006 10:46 PMAvant de déployer l'énergie nucléaire, il faut créer une autorité de sûreté, appuyée par un organisme d’expertise. Aussi faut-il monter des formations adaptées aux besoins en opérateurs des futures centrales.
Posted by: Saied at November 4, 2006 10:51 PMI think that we need nuclear reactor to have sheap energy. In addition, we are not involved in any conflict and we maintain good relationship with USA et EU. I recommand that we give the license to a french company to built and exploit a nuclear reactor against sheap ...
for Egypt and KSA it will be hard since USA won't accept. Egypt is still in conflict with israel and KSA too and US are not sure that the two government (KSA and Egypt) won't change.
Morroco and Algeria (especially) are able to do too. I think that Algeria started to built its reactor. In addition, Algeria produces Uranium. France and USA can oppose to their project because of the islamic threat.
UAE doesn't need nuclear energy :-)
Posted by: Mohamed Ali at November 4, 2006 11:06 PM
I think it is very valid for any country to be interested in an alternative to oil energy, knowing that this resource is limited and very expensive and with China and India needs for oil increasing dramatically year after year resulting in higher oil prices.
And it is obvious that the cheaper and proven technology nowadays in the nuclear one. It really makes sense. Now if these countries have a hidden agenda or not ,it is a question, but it is for sure a move that everyone will spin and interpret the way it would work better for him :-)
Marouen usage of nuclear energy as alternative source of energy isn't new to Tunisia. We have an official committee working since many years, and one of my nuclear energy teachers in ENIM was a member of the committee.
The problem with energy remain the cost, the project still voidable if more than one country participate in it. I don't think it's a nuclear race, Iran is rich enough to get such technology.
But, I think there is many alternatives that still available and safe before aborting nuclear stuff. Medias like talking about nuclear energy, because it's source of trouble in politics, they never talk about solar or wind energy projects.
Posted by: Hatem at November 5, 2006 11:32 AM