Sarkozy to Meet with Saudi King as Middle East Nuclear Race Continues

Iran’s Nuclear Program Sparks Nuclear Arms Race Throughout Arab, Muslim World
Arab Leaders Voice Concerns about Iran and its Nuclear Program

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is scheduled to arrive in Riyadh today (Nov. 17) for talks with Saudi King Abdullah.[1] Among other topics, the two leaders are expected to discuss cooperation on halting Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons,[2] a prospect that Saudi Arabia and France alike consider a major threat.[3] They will also discuss a French-Saudi agreement on Saudi Arabia’s nascent nuclear energy program; Saudi Arabia is planning construction of its first nuclear reactor.[4]

Please see below for more about how Iran’s nuclear program has sparked a nuclear arms race in the Muslim world.

Iran’s Nuclear Program Sparks Nuclear Arms Race Throughout Arab, Muslim World

Iran’s continued defiance of the international community's efforts to halt its nuclear program has sparked Arab and Muslim countries to develop their own nuclear programs.[5]

For almost 20 years, Iran hid its nuclear weapons development program from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and denied its existence.[6] Then, in August 2002, the program’s existence was exposed by an exiled opposition group, the People’s Mujaheddin Organization of Iran.[7] Only then did Iran inform the IAEA of its plans to pursue its nuclear energy program, specifically that it was "embarking on a long-term plan….to construct nuclear power plants with a total capacity of 6,000 MW (megawatts) within two decades."[8]

Following (in alphabetical order) is a list of Arab and Muslim countries developing nuclear programs in the wake of Iran’s continued push to enrich enough uranium to produce a nuclear weapon.

Algeria

• February 2009: Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil announces Algeria will establish a nuclear power plant by 2020.[9] In addition, Algeria plans on building a new reactor "every five years."[10]
• November 2008: Argentina signs a deal with Algeria to cooperate on nuclear energy development.[11]
• June 2008: France signs a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Algeria, its former colony.[12]
• June 2007: Algeria signs a nuclear cooperation pact with the United States that permits cooperation between Algeria and U.S. laboratories and researchers.[13]
• January 2007: Algeria and Russia strike a deal on future cooperation in nuclear energy technology.[14]

Bahrain

• December 2008: Bahrain and France hold talks over nuclear development.[15]
• March 2008: U.S. and Bahrain sign a nuclear power cooperation agreement.[16]
• February 2008: Bahrain and other Arab countries jointly evaluate their nuclear energy development plans.[17]
• November 2007: Bahraini’s crown prince tells The Times, “While they [Iran] don’t have the bomb yet, they are developing it, or the capability for it.”[18]
• October 2007: King Hamad declares a plan to introduce nuclear energy technology to Bahrain.[19]

Bangladesh

• July 2009: Russia and Bangladesh sign a nuclear cooperation pact.[20]
• September 2007: Bangladesh's head of the Atomic Energy Commission declares a new nuclear plant will be built by 2015[21] in Rooppur, 77 miles (125 km) northwest of Dhaka.[22]
• June 2007: IAEA gives approval to Bangladesh to build a nuclear reactor.[23]

Egypt

• July 2009: Egypt's ambassador to Kuwait declares that all nations have a right to pursue a peaceful nuclear energy program.[24]
• May 2009: An IAEA report reveals inspectors found traces of weapons-grade uranium in Egypt, specifically at Inshas, where two nuclear research reactors are located northeast of Cairo.[25]
• December 2008: Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit says, “Egypt supports international efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.”[26]
• October 2007: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak declares Cairo will build 10 nuclear power plants.[27]
• September 2006: Egypt revives its dormant nuclear program and announces it will construct a new nuclear power station within a decade. Cairo admits that its previous nuclear IAEA reports lacked transparency.[28]
• February 2005: The IAEA reports it is investigating Egypt's nuclear program, which began four decades earlier.[29]

Indonesia

• August 2007: Indonesia’s vice president states that uranium needed for its nuclear plants will likely be purchased from Australia.[30]
• April 2005: The Indonesian government announces its first nuclear reactor will be built on the island of Java by 2016.[31]

Jordan

• July 2009: Jordan and Russia sign a 10-year deal to build four new nuclear reactors.[32] Britain, France, Canada and the United States previously signed nuclear cooperation agreements with Jordan.[33] Japan also agrees to help develop the infrastructure necessary for Jordan’s nuclear program.[34]
• August 2008: Jordan and China sign an agreement for uranium exploration and mining cooperation.[35] An estimated 200,000 tons of uranium can be extracted from Jordan.[36]
• November 2007: In an interview with Germany’s Der Spiegel, Jordan’s King Abdullah says “Iran, I believe, does have aspirations to develop nuclear weapons.”[37]
• August 2007: At a meeting of the Supreme Committee for Nuclear Energy Strategy in Amman, Jordan announces it will start operating its first nuclear power reactor by 2015.[38]
• January 2007: Jordan’s King Abdullah says his government seeks to attain nuclear power.[39]

Kuwait

• June 2009: French and Kuwaiti officials hold talks, proposing increased cooperation for developing a joint civilian nuclear program.[40]
• February 2009: A French company begins studying Kuwaiti plans for nuclear power plants.[41]
• January 2009: Kuwait orders 5.4 million anti-nuclear radiation pills for its citizen-safety program.[42]
• February 2008: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s CEO says nuclear energy could supply the country's energy needs.[43]

Libya

• July 2009: At a Sharm el-Sheikh summit of 118 developing nations, Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi says, “If Iran wants to enrich uranium to make an atomic bomb, we are against this.”[44]
• November 2008: Libya and Russia sign a nuclear cooperation agreement.[45]
• August 2007: Nuclear experts reveal that Libya continues to store hundreds of tons of uranium marked for destruction since 2003.[46]
• July 2007: France and Libya sign nuclear power cooperation deals in which France agrees to facilitate the construction of a nuclear reactor for Libya.[47]
• December 2003: IAEA Secretary General Mohamed El Baradei reveals that Libya was just a few years shy of developing a nuclear weapon when the United States and Britain dismantled Libya’s nuclear program in December 2003.[48]

Malaysia

• July 2009: Malaysia’s deputy science, technology and innovation minister says his country will consult with the IAEA and the United Nations on its nuclear development.[49]
• September 2008: Malaysia’s energy, water and communications minister announces Malaysia's intention to use nuclear power by 2023.[50]
• June 2008: Malaysian utility company, Tenaga, tenders the construction of the country's first nuclear reactor for $3.1 billion.[51]

Morocco

• October 2007: France signs a deal with Morocco to help develop its civilian nuclear project.[52] Morocco says it is seeking to build a nuclear plant within 15 years.[53]
• March 2007: Russia’s Atomstroy export company commences construction of a nuclear power plant in Morocco after the two countries sign an agreement.[54] Morocco holds an international conference on nuclear energy technology.[55]
• November 2006: The IAEA reveals Morocco is seeking nuclear technology.[56]
• December 2005: Morocco approves the construction of a nuclear power plant.[57]

Nigeria

• June 2009: Russia signs an agreement with Nigeria, consenting to build a nuclear power plant and research reactor.[58]
• August 2008: Nigeria signs a nuclear pact with Iran, agreeing to share with Iran nuclear technology for civilian purposes.[59]
• March 2004: Pakistan offers Nigeria its nuclear know-how.[60]

Oman

• June 2009: Russia and Oman sign an agreement for nuclear cooperation.[61]
• October 2004: Oman echoes Iran’s declaration that all countries have a right to develop nuclear power.[62]

Pakistan

• September 2009: Pakistan's former chief nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan admits helping Iran develop its nuclear program with Islamabad's permission.[63]
• May 2009: Pakistan is estimated to have 60 - 80 nuclear weapons.[64]
• May 2009: Satellite imagery reveals Pakistan continues construction of the world's largest plutonium-producing reactors.[65] In addition, France signs an agreement with Pakistan to cooperate on civilian nuclear power projects.[66]
• November 2004: A CIA report states that Khan provided “significant assistance” to Iran’s nuclear program, including designs for “advanced and efficient” weapons components.[67]
• July 2002: The UK’s Joint Intelligence Committee concludes that Khan’s network is crucial to all aspects of Libya’s nuclear program.[68]
• May 1998: Pakistan detonates nuclear devices underground.[69]

Qatar

• November 2008: Qatar launches a study to determine the best locations for its nuclear reactor.[70]
• January 2008: Qatar signs a nuclear assistance and cooperation deal with France for an estimated $700 million.[71]
• June 2007: IAEA agrees to assist Qatar develop a nuclear security plan.[72]
• February 2006: Qatar and South Korea begin talks on nuclear energy cooperation.[73]

Saudi Arabia

• August 2009: Saudi minister of water and electricity announces a plan to build the first nuclear power plant.[74]
• March 2009: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal says the Arab world needs “a common vision for issues that concern Arab security and deal with the Iranian challenge,” including its “nuclear drive.”[75]
• January 2008: France and Saudi Arabia sign a nuclear cooperation pact.[76]
• March 2006: Western security sources say Saudi Arabia is developing a clandestine nuclear program with Pakistan’s help.[77]
• September 2003: A strategic Saudi government document recommends that, for the kingdom’s security, it either needs to acquire nuclear capabilities for deterrence, align with nuclear powers or campaign for a nuclear-free Middle East agreement.[78]

Sudan

• April 2006: Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says he is willing to transfer nuclear technology to Sudan, a country designated by the U.S. as a state-sponsor of terrorism.[79]
• March 2006: Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir announces plans to develop a civilian nuclear program.[80]
• January 2006: International investigators implicate Sudan as a possible transit and storage location for nuclear weapons’ equipment.[81]

Syria

• February 2009: U.S. and Israel believe Syria is secretly helping Iran develop nuclear technology.[82]
• October 2008: IAEA officials state that the agency found traces of processed uranium at the nuclear reactor Israel bombed in September 2007.[83]
• June 2008: Israeli intelligence reveals Syria’s plan to transfer nuclear fuel to Iran for development of weapons-grade plutonium.[84] UN Security Council Resolution 1737, passed on Dec. 23, 2006, banned the transfer of nuclear materials and technology to Iran by any country.[85]
• April 2008: United States intelligence accuses Syria of using North Korean assistance to build a covert nuclear reactor.[86]
• September 2007: Israel reportedly conducts airstrikes against a Syrian nuclear reactor under construction in the Syrian desert. The reactor was modeled on a similar one in North Korea.[87] 

Tunisia

• April 2009: France signs a $100 million deal with Tunisia to help develop its nuclear program.[88]
• November 2006: A Tunisian electricity and gas company chief announces that Tunisia will have its first nuclear power reactor by 2020.[89]

Turkey

• August 2009: Russia agrees to assist Turkey in developing a nuclear reactor.[90]
• June 2008: Syria and Turkey sign a mutual nuclear cooperation understanding.[91]
• March 2006: Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Guler declares the first nuclear reactor will be built by 2012.[92]

United Arab Emirates

• June 2009: United Arab Emirates signs a nuclear agreement with South Korea, stipulating the transfer of nuclear technology and know-how.[93]
• May 2009: UAE announces its first nuclear reactor will be built by 2015.[94] In addition, President Obama signs an agreement to assist the UAE in attaining nuclear power.[95]
• July 2008: UAE begins surveying new sites for construction of three nuclear power plants.[96]
• January 2008: France signs a nuclear assistance pact with the UAE.[97]
• March 2008: UAE launches the Nuclear Energy Implementation Organization for the purpose of tendering proposals for its nuclear energy program.[98]
• December 2005: In response to a letter by Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa raising concerns over Israel’s alleged nuclear weapons, UAE’s foreign minister says that if Moussa is “talking about threats to Arab national security, [he] should have raised concerns about the Iranian program.”[99] 

Yemen

• October 2007: Yemen cancels a $1 billion deal with a U.S. company following revelations that the company is not qualified to construct the proposed nuclear reactors.[100]
• September 2007: Yemen signs a $15 billion deal with the U.S. company Powered Corp to build five nuclear reactors over a period of 10 years.[101]

Footnotes: 

[1] “Sarkozy aims to build Saudi ties,” BBC News, Nov. 17, 2009, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8363890.stm

[2] Handley, Paul, “Sarkozy urges Middle East peace talks,” AFP, Nov. 17, 2009, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jjzEAMIrz5kJ_1W5MUOd7ByAPYVw

[3] “Bronson: Saudis ‘Deeply Concerned’ Over Iran’s Nuclear Program,” Council on Foreign Relations, April 3, 2006, http://www.cfr.org/publication/10328/bronson.html; “France's Sarkozy slams Iran's nuclear program,” Al Arabiya, Aug. 26, 2009, http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/08/26/83027.pdf

[4] “Saudi Arabia eyes first nuclear power plant,” The Daily Star (Lebanon), Aug. 21, 2009, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=105516

[5] Blair, David, "Iran's nuclear programme 'may spark Middle East weapons race,'" The Telegraph, May 20, 2008, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/1994117/Irans-nuclear-programme-may-spark-Middle-East-weapons-race.html

[6] La Guardia, Anton, "'18 years of lies' from Iran over its nuclear plans," The Telegraph, Dec.12, 2003, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/11/12/wiran12.xml&sSheet=/news/2003/11/12/ixworld.html

[7] Goodenough, Patrick, "Iraqis Subdue Iranian Dissidents, As U.S. 'Monitors' the Situation," CNS News, July 31, 2009, http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/51823

[8] H.E. Reza Aghazadeh, "Statement at the 46th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency," IAEA, Sept.16, 2006, http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/Focus/IaeaIran/iran_timeline.shtml#september02, pg.3 

[9] "Algeria to build nuclear power plants from 2020," Mail &Guardian, Feb. 24, 2009, http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-02-24-algeria-to-build-nuclear-power-plants-from-2020

[10] "Algeria banks on nuclear power for the future," IOL, Feb. 24, 2009, http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=85&art_id=nw20090224105936349C784272

[11] "Algeria, Argentina strike deal on nuclear energy," Agence France-Presse, Nov. 17, 2008, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hah6h9InSF-miEJEBYIfs0S440UA

[12] "France signs Algeria nuclear deal," BBC, June 21, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7467438.stm

[13] "U.S. and Algeria sign nuclear cooperation pact," The New York Times, June 10, 2007, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/10/world/americas/10iht-nukepact.1.6074391.html

[14] "Algeria trades gas for Russian nuclear energy," World Tribune, Jan. 24, 2007, http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/07/front2454125.1611111113.html

[15] Bowman, Dylan, "Bahrain, France discuss nuclear energy," Arabian Business, Sept. 7, 2009, http://www.arabianbU.S.iness.com/540500-bahrain-france-discU.S.s-nuclear-enegy

[16] "U.S. touts Bahrain nuclear pact as Mideast model," Al Arabiya News Channel, March 25, 2008, http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/03/25/47420.html

[17] Baby, Soman, "Bahrain to join the nuclear club," Gulf Daily News, Feb. 18, 2008, http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=209063

[18]  Whittell, Giles, “Bahrain accuses Iran of nuclear weapons lie,” The Times, Nov. 2, 2007, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article2789056.ece

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[24] "Egypt's nuclear program not a response to Iran's," Kuwait Times, July 30, 2009, http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NjA2MTM5OTUy

[25] "IAEA: Weapons-grade uranium found in Egypt," The Jerusalem Post, May 6, 2009, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1239710881363

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[29] "Egyptian leader's son proposes peaceful nuclear program," Haaretz, Sept. 20, 2006, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/765518.html

[30] "Indonesia expects to buy Australian uranium," The New Zealand Herald, Aug. 31, 2007, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nuclear-power/news/article.cfm?c_id=500837&objectid=10460956

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[32] Blajchman, Amiel, "Russia and Jordan Sign Nuclear Cooperation Deal for Four New Power Plants," Eco Worldly, July 29, 2009, http://ecoworldly.com/2009/07/29/rU.S.sia-and-jordan-sign-nuclear-cooperation-deal-for-four-new-power-plants/

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[34] "Japan to help Jordan with nuclear program," France 24, April 14, 2009, http://www.france24.com/en/20090414-japan-help-jordan-with-nuclear-programme-energy-diplomacy

[35] "Jordan signs nuclear accord with China on uranium exploration," Business Intelligence Middle East, Aug. 20, 2008, http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&cg=3&t=1&id=23649 

[36] "Jordan's first nuclear plant looms amid deals with Western powers," Xinhua, June 30, 2008, http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/30/content_8459738.htm

[37]  “SPIEGEL Interview with Jordan's King Abdullah II,” Spiegel Online, November, 19, 2007, http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,518131,00.html

[38] Sawahel, Wagdy, "Jordan unveils nuclear energy strategy," SciDev Net, Aug. 31, 2007, http://www.scidev.net/en/news/jordan-unveils-nuclear-energy-strategy.html

[39] Eldar, Akiva, "King Abdullah to Haaretz: Jordan aims to develop nuclear power," Haaretz, Jan. 20, 2007, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/815304.html

[40] "France-Kuwait nuclear project," The Strait Times, June 21, 2009, http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_393502.html 

[41] "French firm studying Kuwait's nuclear programme: emir," Nuclear Power Daily, Feb. 18, 2009, http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/French_firm_studying_Kuwaits_nuclear_programme_emir_999.html

[42] "Kuwait orders nuclear emergency pills," UPI, Jan. 23, 2009, http://www.upi.com/Security_IndU.S.try/2009/01/23/Kuwait-orders-nuclear-emergency-pills/UPI-27511232728358/

[43] "Kuwait considers nuclear and solar energy," AME Info, Feb. 4, 2008, http://www.ameinfo.com/145679.html

[44] Shahine, Alaa; Meyer, Henry, “Libya Was Close to Making Nuclear Bomb, Qaddafi Says,” Bloomberg, July 15, 2009, http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601116&sid=aGO8Xp9Zxa2U  

[45] "Libya offers Moscow a port, strategic alliance," World Tribune, Nov. 4, 2008, http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2008/me_libya0669_11_04.asp

[46] Griffiths, Katherine, "Libya Stalls on Pledge to Destroy Atomic Fuel," The Sun, Aug. 13, 2007, http://www.nysun.com/foreign/libya-stalls-on-pledge-to-destroy-atomic-fuel/60390/

[47] "France, Libya sign agreement on nuclear reactor," ABC News, July 26, 2007, http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/26/1988519.htm  

[48] Koppel, Andrea, "ElBaradei: Libya nuclear program dismantled," CNN, Dec. 29, 2003, http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/12/29/libya.nuclear/

[49] "Malaysia set to use nuclear energy by 2025," Xinhua, July 22, 2009, http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/22/content_11751165.htm

[50] Singh, Sarban, "Malaysia to use nuclear energy by 2023," The Star, Sept. 20, 2008, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/20/nation/2080863&sec=nation

[51] "Malaysia looking at building its first nuclear plant: report," Agence France-Presse, July 21, 2008, http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j3nCHhfeBFDMg9DMwFiw-eh6wDYA

[52] "France seals nuclear deal with Morocco," Mail & Guardian, Oct. 24, 2007, http://www.mg.co.za/article/2007-10-24-france-seals-nuclear-deal-with-morocco

[53] Addou, Merieme, "Morocco to produce more energy by 2020," Africa News, June 11, 2009, http://www.africanews.com/site/Morocco_to_produce_more_energy_by_2020/list_messages/25349

[54] "Atomstroyexport set to build first NPP in Morocco," RiaNovosti, March 19, 2007, http://en.rian.ru/rU.S.sia/20070319/62207569.html 

[55] "Morocco to host first int'l conference on technologies of nuclear reactors," Xinhua, March 13, 2007, http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-16124526.html

[56] Beeston, Richard, "Six Arab states join rush to go nuclear," The Times, Nov. 4, 2006, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article624855.ece

[57] Benmehdi, Hassan, "Moroccan nuclear power project approved," Magharebia, Dec. 1, 2009, http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2005/12/01/feature-01

[58] Smolchenko, Anna, "Medvedev seals nuclear, gas pacts with Nigeria," Agence France-Presse, June 24, 2009, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5inXkvTZtwWMZ4laZ7HgIyN4dj00A

[59] "Iran agrees Nigeria nuclear deal," BBC, Aug. 29, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7587582.stm

[60] Borger, Julian, "Pakistan may make Nigeria a nuclear power," The Guardian, March 4, 2004, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/mar/04/pakistan.julianborger

[61] "Russia, Oman sign nuclear energy deal," The Times of India, June 2, 2009, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/bU.S.iness/international-bU.S.iness/RU.S.sia-Oman-sign-nuclear-energy-deal/articleshow/4609790.cms

[62] "Iranian, Omani leaders stress nations' right on nuclear power," People's Daily, Oct. 8, 2004, http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200410/08/eng20041008_159378.html

[63] Nelson, Dean, "A.Q. Khan boasts of helping Iran's nuclear programme," Telegraph, Sept. 10, 2009, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/6170145/A.Q.-Khan-boasts-of-helping-Irans-nuclear-programme.html

[64] Windrem, Robert, "Pakistan expanding its nuclear capability," MSNBC, May 12, 2009, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30648446

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[68]  “A.Q. Khan & Libya,” GlobalSecurity.org, http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/libya/khan-libya.htm. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009                

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[76] Najm, Michel Abu, "France and Saudi Arabia to Sign Nuclear Cooperation Deal," Asharq Alawsat, Aug. 30, 2009, http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=17943

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[81] Traynor, Ian, and Ian Cobain, "Clandestine nuclear deals traced to Sudan," The Guardian, Jan. 5, 2006, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/jan/05/sudan.topstories3 

[82] "Iran, Syria continuing nuke project," The Jerusalem Post, Feb. 20, 2009, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1233304834205&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

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