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Arms control

Goddamn it Jim, I’m a patriot, not a scummy smuggler

Did you know we have a NSOI? Neither did I. But thanks to this September 30 US State Department press release, I do now.

Evidently Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ednan Karabayev signed the Program of Cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on Combating the Smuggling of Nuclear and Radioactive Materials.

Serendipity, indeed

Let us consider serendipity, the aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident. As I've previously noted, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade held a hearing on June 27 titled, 'AQ Khan's Nuclear Wal-Mart: Out of Business or Under New Management?' Click here to watch the hearing.

The Centrifugist

This Indian blogger has, not surprisingly, had some past interest in the actions of Dr Khan, or as he likes to refer to him, the Centrifugist.

What, me worry? Not if you want to keep your job

It is safe to say that in the course of his career, Dr Khan has affected the lives of many people, some positively, some negatively. One of the latter is former US intelligence analyst Richard Barlow.

As this July 7 Washington Post article recounted, Barlow is not a happy camper, even though he lives in one.

To excerpt briefly:

Other unknown smuggling networks evidently exist

A National Defense University report released earlier this month makes a connection between Khan-like networks and nuclear terrorism.

The report from the NDU's Center for Technology and National Security Policy found that global cooperation between law enforcement agencies and a coordinated nuclear detection network is needed if the world hopes to prevent terrorists from acquiring WMD material.

Chronicling Dr Khan

As you may have noted from previous posts I am, among other things, mightily impressed by the accomplishments of Dr Khan. In fact, to some degree I might even qualify as a fan, if not a groupie. There are times when it is hard waiting for the next Google news alert about him.

Still, I recognize that not everyone is as enamored by his history as I am. In fact, hard as it may be to believe, some people out there don't even know who he is. Gasp, the horror!

“BASIC’s depth of knowledge and administrative competence makes it an excellent partner in the field of military nuclear capability and arms control”

Sir Jeremy Greenstock, GCMG British diplomat

“At a time when transatlantic relationships are under tension, BASIC's role as a source of authoritative analysis is more important than ever.”

Baron Rees of Ludlow Astronomer Royal

“BASIC makes a vital contribution to sustaining recognition that nearly 35 years after the end of the Cold War nuclear weapons continue to put at risk the future of humankind. BASIC is especially to be commended for doing this by fostering dialogue and understanding.”

Peter Jenkins CMG UK Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency 2001-06

``For about 35 years, in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, BASIC have championed the cause of mutuality of security. Their ability to engage diversity of views and opinion has attracted deserved admiration.``

Baron Browne of Ladyton Vice Chairman, Nuclear Threat Initiative and former UK Secretary of State for Defence

``For more than three decades, BASIC has challenged conventional thinking on national security matters, and inspired new ways of addressing and solving old problems. I expect it to continue to play this vital role for decades to come.``

Andreas Persbo Director, Open Nuclear Network
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