Pakistan’s Nuclear Dilemma
Atomic Weapons Pose an International Threat in the Islamic World
Pakistan's nuclear warheads are more of a risk in the region. Political tensions rise after the assassination of Bhutto, political unrest, and Musharraf's fall from grace
Pakistan’s Nuclear Dilemma
Pakistan is much in the news. It’s going through a difficult time politically, with the cloud of mystery surrounding Benazir Bhutto’s brutal assassination, election problems, and Pervez Musharraf’s attempt to cling to power. But waiting in the wings is a more daunting problem – Pakistan’s nuclear dilemma.
Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons Program
Pakistan is the only Islamic nation in the world with nuclear arms. Currently, its nuclear arsenal has anywhere between 50 and 120 atomic warheads. And their missiles to carry them are thought to be able to reach at least the nations of Afghanistan, India, and Iran.
Most of these warheads contain highly enriched uranium. The benefit of uranium is that it’s easy to turn out. The problem is that it’s so heavy that it bogs down the missiles, a severe limitation. To get around this, Pakistan’s nuclear program is currently producing plutonium. Not only is plutonium much lighter than enriched uranium (giving the missiles the capability to fly further), but it is also much more powerful.
How much plutonium is being produced? According to data from Western intelligence satellites gathered in 2006, enough to assemble 45 new bombs each year. Do the math.
The program has been around since 1974. Prime Minister Bhutto recruited Dr. A.Q. Khan to head up to program. Khan was employed at the time by the European Research Consortium Urenco. He stole blueprints for nuclear centrifuges and smuggled them into Pakistan where he promptly set up his connections with the international black market.
Where are the Nuclear Warheads Stored?
No one outside the Pakistan’s inner nuclear circle really knows. The closest thing known for sure is that they’re spread across the country in hidden bunkers. It’s unsettling that some bunkers are known to be close to the Afghanistan border, right in Al Qaeda’s back yard. How well protected are they? Again, no one really knows. All the military will say is that it employs a “multilayered system of safeguards for weapons” and that the nuclear warheads are stored away from the missiles.
What Problems do Pakistan’s Nukes Pose?
Very big ones indeed. In the first place, if Pakistan’s political situation unravels, it’s anyone’s guess whose hands these nukes might fall into. It’s no secret that Al Qaeda has easy access to the country and that they have no qualms about doing anything they want to advance their goals.
Secondly, Pakistan doesn’t exactly have a stellar track record when it comes to keeping its nuclear technology secure. In fact, Pakistan has been called “the Wal Mart of nuclear proliferation” thanks to the actions of one Dr. A.Q. Khan. When he was active in the program, he sold technology to anyone with enough cash, including North Korea. There’s no reason to think it won’t happen again.
Can the Free World Help Safeguard Pakistan’s Nukes?
Yes, but only to the extent that they will allow it. Although they have accepted roughly $100 million from the USA in training and equipment since 9/11, the Pakistanis are unwilling to let anyone close to the program for fear of losing the secret of the hidden bunkers.
