- +18
James M. Acton, Saskia Brechenmacher, Cecily Brewer, …
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"regions": [
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"Türkiye",
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"topics": [
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}Source: Getty
Civilian Nuclear Power in the Middle East
As Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt embark on optimistic nuclear energy programs, these nations must also take into consideration the shortage of nuclear industry scientists and personnel as well as the necessity of solutions for the resulting waste.
Source: Strategic Studies Institute

Although all three states still have significant barriers to surmount, Egypt and Turkey are considerably further along in the process than Saudi Arabia. In particular, research reactors in Egypt and Turkey together with extensive efforts to overhaul legislation have left both states relatively well positioned to embark on a nuclear power program. Saudi Arabia, by contrast, has little relevant experience and lacks the necessary regulatory framework.
About the Author
Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Co-director, Nuclear Policy Program
Acton holds the Jessica T. Mathews Chair and is co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
- Unpacking Trump’s National Security StrategyOther
- Trump Has an Out on Nuclear Testing. He Should Take It.Commentary
James M. Acton
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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