Gates warns states against giving terrorists nuclear bomb

[maddezmom]

Source: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Tuesday of "catastrophic" consequences for any state that provided nuclear weapons used in a terrorist attack on the United States.

His comments came at the end of a two-day swing through US air bases in which he pressed the air force to give priority attention to its nuclear forces, warning that the need for deterrence was growing, not diminishing.

~snip~

The subject came up earlier in a closed question and answer session Gates had with air force personnel at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said.

In discussing the growing importance of deterrence after a post-Cold War lull, Gates also cited Russia's recent investments in its nuclear arsenals and challenges posed by China and Iran, he said.

The United States is convinced that an Iranian enrichment uranium program is part of a drive to acquire nuclear weapons, despite Iranian denials.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080610/pl_afp/usmilitarynuclearweaponsattacks_080610222115;_ylt=AjDS_XfUFyWAcSXD2QFPCE6sOrgF

[htuttle]

1. Putting aside the small fact that there is absolutely no evidence Iran is building a bomb...

...and lots of evidence to the contrary:

Does anyone really think that ANY state would spend the time, resources and clout to fund a nuclear bomb program and finally build a bomb... and then GIVE IT AWAY to a bunch of stupid freelancers?

:eyes:

[Arctic Dave]

2. My thoughts too.

More fear mongering for the truely brain damaged to consume.

[krkaufman]

5. It's not about the reality; it's about the fear.

(It's a campaign year, so expect more of these sorts of speeches.)

[Psephos]

6. Paste the following into Google: iran weapons hezbollah

It's prudent to ask the question of nuke "leakage" without bias for or against.

[jaybeat]

3. Most likely state to give a nuke to "terrorists" = U.S. (nt)

[krkaufman]

4. Ah, yes... let the campaign year fear-mongering commence!!! n/t

[BunkerHill24]

7. Gates is beginning to sound like Rummy....déjà vu