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  "authors": [
    "Sharon Squassoni"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
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    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
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Source: Getty

In The Media

Assessing Pakistan's Nuclear Plant Accident

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By Sharon Squassoni
Published on Apr 9, 2008
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Program

Nuclear Policy

The Nuclear Policy Program aims to reduce the risk of nuclear war. Our experts diagnose acute risks stemming from technical and geopolitical developments, generate pragmatic solutions, and use our global network to advance risk-reduction policies. Our work covers deterrence, disarmament, arms control, nonproliferation, and nuclear energy.

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Program

South Asia

The South Asia Program informs policy debates relating to the region’s security, economy, and political development. From strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific to India’s internal dynamics and U.S. engagement with the region, the program offers in-depth, rigorous research and analysis on South Asia’s most critical challenges.

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Source: BBC World Service Newshour

In response to reports of an explosion at the Khushab nuclear facility in Pakistan, Carnegie’s Sharon Squassoni says that because the heavy water reactor at the facility produces plutonium for the country’s nuclear weapons program, issues of nuclear safety are opaque.

“Pakistan has taken some steps since 2001 to increase transparency in its civilian nuclear program and it is a signatory to the Convention on Nuclear Safety,” she said, “but none of those apply to its military program, so in many respects we are in the dark.”

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About the Author

Sharon Squassoni

Former Senior Associate, Nuclear Policy Program

Squassoni came to Carnegie from the Congressional Research Service. She also served for nine years in the executive branch. Her last position at the State Department was director of Policy Coordination in the Nonproliferation Bureau.

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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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