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Does Syria Have an Uranium Enrichment Program?

IN THIS ISSUE: Uranium enrichment program in Syria?, nuclear powers plan weapons spending spree, Belgium aims to phase out nuclear power, Iran to start nuclear fuel plate production, Moscow warns patience on missile defense wearing thin, Vietnam reactor deal advances.

Published on November 1, 2011
 

Uranium Enrichment Program in Syria?

Mark Hibbs | Carnegie Q&A

Soltanieh

New allegations surfaced this week in the Associated Press that a previously unknown complex in Syria may have been used to clandestinely enrich uranium.

In a Q&A, Mark Hibbs analyzes the claims in the context of what is known about Syria's nuclear program. Hibbs argues that the allegations underline the challenges in preventing the spread of uranium enrichment capabilities and that more must be done to stop nuclear technology and know-how from falling into the wrong hands.

Are the allegations that Syria may have enriched uranium based on new information?

No. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been investigating Syria's nuclear program since late 2007, when Israeli aircraft destroyed an installation that Israel and the United States asserted was a clandestine nuclear reactor built with assistance from North Korea. During that investigation, the IAEA found some evidence suggesting that a few other sites could have been part of a hidden nuclear program in Syria.    Full Article



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