Georgia apprehends 100g HEU

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In summary, despite rhetoric from leaders like Mr. Bush about preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, highly-enriched uranium (weapons-grade) continues to be smuggled in the former Soviet bloc. Georgia recently intercepted a shipment of uranium, and this is not the first time such a seizure has occurred. This issue has not been a major focus for the US government, with more attention being given to countries like Iran and North Korea. However, some experts argue that not enough is being done to address the threat of WMD materials from countries like Iraq, despite the lack of evidence of a WMD threat there.
  • #1
Rach3
Mr. Bush keeps on with his empty rhetoric, while highly-enriched uranium (weapons-grade) is flying around the former Soviet bloc like so many drunk bees.

Georgia Says It Blocked Smuggling of Arms-Grade Uranium

TBILISI, Georgia, Jan. 24 — Georgian authorities intercepted an illicit shipment of highly enriched uranium last January, the second seizure of weapons-grade material here in two and a half years, officials here say.

The interior minister, Ivane Merabishvili, said in a recent interview that agents had arrested a Russian man carrying 100 grams of uranium, a little under four ounces, into Georgia from Russia. The authorities had previously reported that they had arrested a man in 2003 trying to cross the border between Georgia and Armenia with 170 grams of uranium.

...The 2006 smuggling case, which has not been previously reported, is expected to be noted in a report from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency on illicit nuclear activities, agency officials said. That report is expected to be released this week.

... He said that agents had learned about the raw uranium from sources in the criminal underworld and that the investigation was continuing.

The Georgian officials said they believed that corrupt law enforcement officials in Abkhazia had helped ensure the safe passage of the shipment. Officials in Abkhazia said they had not been informed about the arrest, but they promised to assist in any investigation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/25/world/europe/25smuggling.html?hp&ex=1169701200&en=7383b09a27c94149&ei=5094&partner=homepage [Broken]

You can search the State of Union speeches and contrast the reality with the colorful illusion American politics is living in.

2002 - "And second, we must prevent the terrorists and regimes who seek chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons for threatening the United States and the World".

2003 - "We are working with other governments to secure nuclear material in the former Soviet Union..."
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/washington/20070123_STATEOFUNION.html

Well, that was four years ago. Loose Soviet materials and/or terrorist nuclear ambitions have not been mentioned in 2005, 2006 or 2007; instead he's shifted his talk exclusively to the Iranian and North Korean programs.

So, who's going to take political responsibility for this issue? Clinton hasn't. Bush failed at it. Anyone who takes this on in a serious and productive manner has my attention.
 
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  • #2
The US is very much involved and concerned with the former-Soviet nuclear materials, the success story of the secure transfer of Ukraine's weapons being a good example.

On Bush's Middle East/North Korean focus, it is interesting to note that when the US removed two tons of LEU from Iraq in 2004, some experts criticized the decision to leave 400 tons of uranium ore behind.

In an ironic twist, one expert noted that, "[Iraq's] natural uranium is still dangerous and could be used in a nuclear weapons program or sold to somebody that would misuse it."

Though the uranium in question was probably not going anywhere during Saddam's reign, I still find it remarkable that people can criticize the US for not doing enough to stop the proliferation of WMD materials from Iraq, especially when the prevailing opinion is that there was no WMD-related threat to begin with.
 
  • #3


I find this situation deeply concerning and alarming. The fact that highly-enriched uranium is being smuggled around the former Soviet bloc is a major threat to global security and must be addressed immediately.

It is disappointing to see that President Bush has not taken this issue seriously, despite his promises to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. And it is even more concerning that this issue has not been mentioned in recent State of the Union speeches.

It is clear that there needs to be a concerted effort from all governments to secure nuclear materials and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. This includes holding accountable any individuals or governments who are involved in the smuggling of such materials.

I urge politicians to prioritize this issue and take concrete actions to address it. The consequences of inaction could be catastrophic and we must not wait for a major incident to occur before taking action. It is time for leaders to step up and take responsibility for this critical issue.
 

1. What is "Georgia apprehends 100g HEU"?

"Georgia apprehends 100g HEU" refers to the recent discovery and seizure of 100 grams of Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) by Georgian authorities.

2. Why is the apprehension of HEU significant?

The apprehension of HEU is significant because it is a highly valuable and potentially dangerous material that can be used to create nuclear weapons. It is also a rare occurrence for a country to discover and seize such a large amount of HEU.

3. How did Georgia discover the HEU?

The details of how Georgia discovered the HEU have not been released to the public. However, it is believed that intelligence gathering and cooperation with other countries played a role in the discovery.

4. Who could potentially be responsible for the possession of HEU in Georgia?

It is not yet known who may be responsible for the possession of HEU in Georgia. It could be a state actor, a terrorist group, or a criminal organization. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source and intentions of the HEU.

5. What actions will be taken now that the HEU has been apprehended?

The HEU will likely be safely secured and transported to a secure facility. Investigations will also continue to determine the source and intentions of the HEU. The discovery of the HEU may also lead to increased security measures and cooperation between countries to prevent the spread of nuclear materials.

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