Chapter 5 The possibility of terrorists obtaining nuclear material

The fact that terrorists can receive a nuclear bomb is a real threat for the international security.

Firstly some terrorists actively aspire to seize the nuclear weapon or nuclear materials for its production.

O

Source: http://www.ypsddpakistan.itgo.com/photo.html 17 March 2012

sama bin Laden called acquisition of the nuclear weapon or other types of weapon of mass destruction «a religious duty». al-Qaeda tried to buy nuclear materials. Two senior Pakistani nuclear weapon scientists associated with Ummah Tameer e-Nau (UTN) network, for example, personally met with bin Laden and Zawahiri to discuss nuclear weapons.

Secondly, the government of the USA and other countries came to a conclusion that strong terrorist groups are capable to create the rough nuclear weapon if will receive enough plutonium and the high-enriched uranium (HEU). Some experts consider that the small group of people which does not have access to special literature, capable to create the primitive nuclear device.

Thirdly, there is a real risk of that terrorists can receive the radioactive materials necessary for creation of a nuclear bomb. In many countries still there are shortcomings and weak places of nuclear protection. Some reactors working at fuel from high-enriched uranium, are located in campuses of universities and often have only minimum security measures. Such countries as Pakistan where there is a strong system of nuclear safety, face a problem of huge threat of terrorism.

Plus is that terrorist groups yet didn't receive the nuclear weapon, materials and the knowledge necessary for creation of the nuclear weapon. Manufacturing and delivery even the simple nuclear device – one of the most difficult technical processes, any of known terrorist groups it didn't carry out. Nevertheless all countries should take necessary measures for decrease in possibility of nuclear terrorism.

"All Stocks of Weapons-Usable Nuclear Materials Worldwide Must be Protected Against Global Terrorist Threats." Matthew Bunn. [11]

Chapter 6 Prevention of nuclear terrorism

When we hear the words «nuclear terrorism» we start to shudder because of the thoughts about its consequences. All world leaders unanimously declare that the nuclear terrorism is the biggest threat in the world. Explosion even of one crude nuclear bomb in a large city can change the world forever.

It is necessary to carry out a number of the measures promoting strengthening the nuclear safety.

Firstly it is necessary to know that terrorists will not be able to get get the high-enriched uranium and plutonium which are used for creation a nuclear bomb. Safety of these materials plays a crucial role, after all once terrorists already managed to grasp them. Also the safety of the nuclear enterprises and reactors is an important factor. But the most important in ensuring nuclear safety is close and global cooperation of all countries. Acceptance of joint efforts for a fight against nuclear terrorism is one of important steps on a way of elimination of threat. [12]

As for Pakistan there were situations in which there was a threat for the safety nuclear materials. For example, Doctor Abdul Qadeer Khan who is the father of the Pakistan nuclear program admitted that in 2004 he sold nuclear technologies to a number of the countries. Also he admitted that for 15 years he helped Iran, Northern Korea and Libya in production of fuel for the nuclear weapon. [13]

But Pakistan declares that it provides powerful safety to the nuclear weapon and materials. In 2001 the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory A of authority was created. It supervises safety of the nuclear enterprises and reactors, watches safety of radioactive materials and spent fuel [14]. Also the accurate system of command and the management was created in Pakistan. It consists of the national authority of command, the department of strategic plans and strategic command (the National Command Authority, the Strategic Plans Division and the Strategic Forces Commands. They carry out strict control of nuclear materials and the weapon [15].

Besides to it the USA helps Pakistan in ensuring the nuclear safety. Since the end of 2001 the United States provided financial support to Pakistan in order to help it to protect its nuclear materials, warheads and laboratories. The program coasted nearly 100 million dollars. In particular, the USA provided helicopters, devices of night vision and nuclear sensors. [16]