Syria's nuclear activities

News report that American security chiefs briefed members of Congress and reported that Syria built a nuclear reactor for weapons-grade plutonium production. Interesting fact, that the facility was bombed by Israel last year with a claim that the facility was intended for nuclear weapons production.

It appears that the reactor in Syria, even if its construction had peaceful intentions, had not been attached or somehow connected with electric grids. Therefore, the only purpose of such facility with a possible reactor could be offensive military program.

As www.world-nuclear-news.org report, "The facility had stood not far from the Euphrates river in eastern Syria, the nearest town being Al Kibar." The news further reported "Spy satellites documented the construction process until August 2007, from which time "no further observable construction was necessary before the reactor could begin operations."

Today the reality of proliferation of nuclear technology and materials is very dangerous. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to deny other countries the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, but to control such process at the global level is also impossible.

In this case, policy solutions - establishment of multilateral fuel cycle and conversion of nuclear weapons to nuclear energy - could help reduce the risks of nuclear proliferation and prevent the unthinkable...