Experts weigh in on security of Pakistan's nukes

[lovuian]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/11/11/pakistan.nuclear/index.html

Global security experts expressed concern Sunday that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal could wind up in the hands of Islamic radicals after President Gen. Pervez Musharraf last weekend declared a state of emergency.

Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf surrounded by aides in the presidential offices in Pakistan.

"Make no mistake: This is a very dangerous situation," said John Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
snip...

"They have 24 to 55 weapons. They have not only the bomb, the thermonuclear device, they have the missile that can couple with the bomb, and it can fly all the way to the Mediterranean."
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But former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said Pakistan's nuclear weapons are secure, and cautioned against overreacting.

"That nuclear arsenal is, one, dispersed, and second, carefully guarded by the army," he told CNN. "I think -- in the short or even medium term -- should things turn badly, we are not going to worry about nuclear weapons in the first instance***********************************************************************************************************

Nukes are secure by military like our nukes were secure that were removed and ship to LA from Calif Armitage is full of BS

[gateley]

1. Biden - who's familiar with the set-up, said that the missiles are in one

location, the missile delivery systems are in another location - guarded by the military, so at this point he doesn't see an IMMEDIATE threat. HOWEVER - if the situation in Pakistan deteriorates, and the military allies with the radical element, there is a very real cause for concern.

I'm keeping track of his take on it because he seems to be the one who best understands the situation and the possible repercussions.

Edit to add - if it becomes critical, I feel fairly confident he'd tell us. He doesn't sugar-coat stuff or keep things from us that we have a right to know as long as it wouldn't jeopardize security.

[lovuian]

2. maybe the next target won't be Iran but pakistan

I think the oil line deal with Iran has to hurt

[gateley]

3. Isn't it sad that we're conditioned to automatically assume there will BE a 'next target'? nt

[lovuian]

4. its REALLY sad

Yep :( :cry:

[gateley]

5. Here's a vid about Biden's take on it - and it gives a little more info as to the situation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRfAjxivRgM