Iran Studied Advanced Nuke Trigger, IAEA Findings Suggest
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20091106_9201.php
Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Iran tested advanced nuclear warhead design – secret report Exclusive: Watchdog fears Tehran has key component to put bombs in missiles
Iran tested advanced nuclear warhead design – secret report
Exclusive: Watchdog fears Tehran has key component to put bombs in missiles
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 5 November 2009 20.45 GMT
The UN’s nuclear watchdog has asked Iran to explain evidence suggesting that Iranian scientists have experimented with an advanced nuclear warhead design, the Guardian has learned.
The very existence of the technology, known as a "two-point implosion" device, is officially secret in both the US and Britain, but according to previously unpublished documentation in a dossier compiled by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iranian scientists may have tested high-explosive components of the design. The development was today described by nuclear experts as "breathtaking" and has added urgency to the effort to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.
The sophisticated technology, once mastered, allows for the production of smaller and simpler warheads than older models. It reduces the diameter of a warhead and makes it easier to put a nuclear warhead on a missile.
Documentation referring to experiments testing a two-point detonation design are part of the evidence of nuclear weaponisation gathered by the IAEA and presented to Iran for its response.
The dossier, titled "Possible Military Dimensions of Iran’s Nuclear Program", is drawn in part from reports submitted to it by western intelligence agencies.
More…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/05/iran-tested-nuclear-warhead-design
Exclusive: Watchdog fears Tehran has key component to put bombs in missiles
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 5 November 2009 20.45 GMT
The UN’s nuclear watchdog has asked Iran to explain evidence suggesting that Iranian scientists have experimented with an advanced nuclear warhead design, the Guardian has learned.
The very existence of the technology, known as a "two-point implosion" device, is officially secret in both the US and Britain, but according to previously unpublished documentation in a dossier compiled by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iranian scientists may have tested high-explosive components of the design. The development was today described by nuclear experts as "breathtaking" and has added urgency to the effort to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.
The sophisticated technology, once mastered, allows for the production of smaller and simpler warheads than older models. It reduces the diameter of a warhead and makes it easier to put a nuclear warhead on a missile.
Documentation referring to experiments testing a two-point detonation design are part of the evidence of nuclear weaponisation gathered by the IAEA and presented to Iran for its response.
The dossier, titled "Possible Military Dimensions of Iran’s Nuclear Program", is drawn in part from reports submitted to it by western intelligence agencies.
More…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/05/iran-tested-nuclear-warhead-design
Friday, November 6, 2009
Is America On The Verge Of Another Bank War? Should We End The Fed Or Goldman Sachs?
Martin Armstrong has written a new article titled "Is America On The Verge Of Another Bank War? Should We End The Fed Or Goldman Sachs?"
The subject is something we have spoken about here. The Fed is under political pressure not to SAY or DO anything that would be perceived by the Administration or Wall Street as a derailment of the procedures seen as necessary to economic recovery.
The needs of politics and Wall Street are always in present time and not forward looking.
Armstrong points out the history of such events, but in my opinion there has never been a challenge to a central bank as serious as what is now in place.
Armstrong’s article can be accessed here…
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21767800/Is-America-On-The-Verge-Of-Another-Bank-War-Should-We-End-The-Fed-Or-Goldman-Sachs
The subject is something we have spoken about here. The Fed is under political pressure not to SAY or DO anything that would be perceived by the Administration or Wall Street as a derailment of the procedures seen as necessary to economic recovery.
The needs of politics and Wall Street are always in present time and not forward looking.
Armstrong points out the history of such events, but in my opinion there has never been a challenge to a central bank as serious as what is now in place.
Armstrong’s article can be accessed here…
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21767800/Is-America-On-The-Verge-Of-Another-Bank-War-Should-We-End-The-Fed-Or-Goldman-Sachs
Bipartisan Senate trio to explore different track on climate bill
Bipartisan Senate trio to explore different track on climate bill
Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., are working to get the 60 votes needed for the climate legislation to advance in the Senate. The senators are negotiating for some revisions to the legislation, including the addition of incentives for nuclear power that would "broaden the base of support," Kerry said. The New York Times/The Associated Press
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/04/us/politics/AP-US-Climate-Bill.html?scp=2&sq=Committee%20on%20Environment%20and%20Public%20Works&st=cse
Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., are working to get the 60 votes needed for the climate legislation to advance in the Senate. The senators are negotiating for some revisions to the legislation, including the addition of incentives for nuclear power that would "broaden the base of support," Kerry said. The New York Times/The Associated Press
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/04/us/politics/AP-US-Climate-Bill.html?scp=2&sq=Committee%20on%20Environment%20and%20Public%20Works&st=cse
GE lauds nuclear energy agreement between U.S., UAE
GE lauds nuclear energy agreement between U.S., UAE
The nuclear-power pact between the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates is a major opportunity for the expansion of civilian nuclear use in the region, said Jack Fuller, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy president and CEO. "The [United Arab Emirates] has shown strong leadership demonstrating the role nuclear energy plays in a diverse energy portfolio to address growing domestic demands for clean and cost-effective power generation for generations to come," Fuller added. United Press International
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2009/11/04/GE-hails-US-UAE-nuclear-deal/UPI-85151257361515/
The nuclear-power pact between the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates is a major opportunity for the expansion of civilian nuclear use in the region, said Jack Fuller, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy president and CEO. "The [United Arab Emirates] has shown strong leadership demonstrating the role nuclear energy plays in a diverse energy portfolio to address growing domestic demands for clean and cost-effective power generation for generations to come," Fuller added. United Press International
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2009/11/04/GE-hails-US-UAE-nuclear-deal/UPI-85151257361515/
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Entergy seeks alternative if nuclear spinoff fails
Entergy seeks alternative if nuclear spinoff fails
Entergy is considering spinning off its utility units into a single company should it fail to secure regulatory clearance in New York for a similar plan with its nuclear plants, according to Chairman and CEO J. Wayne Leonard. The move would achieve the same goal of dividing Entergy's regulated utility businesses from its nuclear facilities that sell power at market rates, Leonard said. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091103-713878.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
Entergy is considering spinning off its utility units into a single company should it fail to secure regulatory clearance in New York for a similar plan with its nuclear plants, according to Chairman and CEO J. Wayne Leonard. The move would achieve the same goal of dividing Entergy's regulated utility businesses from its nuclear facilities that sell power at market rates, Leonard said. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091103-713878.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
Progress CEO: More reactors needed to reach carbon-reduction goals
Progress CEO: More reactors needed to reach carbon-reduction goals
Progress Energy would have to construct about 12 nuclear plants by 2050 to meet the emissions caps required under climate-change measures pending in Congress. "If you just look at those carbon targets in Waxman-Markey or the Boxer bill, we would have to go a lot more than two nuclear plants in each system, maybe three times that," CEO Bill Johnson said. Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601130&sid=anSqykMAnLAY
Progress Energy would have to construct about 12 nuclear plants by 2050 to meet the emissions caps required under climate-change measures pending in Congress. "If you just look at those carbon targets in Waxman-Markey or the Boxer bill, we would have to go a lot more than two nuclear plants in each system, maybe three times that," CEO Bill Johnson said. Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601130&sid=anSqykMAnLAY
In Rural India, Resistance to Nuclear Plants Rama Lakshmi, The Washington Post
In Rural India, Resistance to Nuclear Plants
Rama Lakshmi, The Washington Post
Standing precariously on the thin edge of a newly dug well, Ajitbhai Narela looked out proudly at his groundnut and mango saplings.
Full Article
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/30/AR2009103003611.html
Rama Lakshmi, The Washington Post
Standing precariously on the thin edge of a newly dug well, Ajitbhai Narela looked out proudly at his groundnut and mango saplings.
Full Article
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/30/AR2009103003611.html
NKorea Says It Has Produced More Bomb-Making Plutonium Lim Chang-Won, Agence France-Presse
NKorea Says It Has Produced More Bomb-Making Plutonium
Lim Chang-Won, Agence France-Presse
North Korea announced Tuesday it has produced more plutonium for its atomic weapons programme, putting further pressure on the United States to start direct talks.
Full Article
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iK0YATGrpUt-wNvEwI9BErwg8CSA
Lim Chang-Won, Agence France-Presse
North Korea announced Tuesday it has produced more plutonium for its atomic weapons programme, putting further pressure on the United States to start direct talks.
Full Article
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iK0YATGrpUt-wNvEwI9BErwg8CSA
How Israel Destroyed Syria's Al Kibar Nuclear Reactor Erich Follath and Holger Stark, Der Spiegel
How Israel Destroyed Syria's Al Kibar Nuclear Reactor
Erich Follath and Holger Stark, Der Spiegel
In September 2007, Israeli fighter jets destroyed a mysterious complex in the Syrian desert. The incident could have led to war, but it was hushed up by all sides. Was it a nuclear plant and who gave the orders for the strike?
Full Article
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,658663,00.html
Erich Follath and Holger Stark, Der Spiegel
In September 2007, Israeli fighter jets destroyed a mysterious complex in the Syrian desert. The incident could have led to war, but it was hushed up by all sides. Was it a nuclear plant and who gave the orders for the strike?
Full Article
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,658663,00.html
Khamenei Says US 'Hiding a Dagger' in Talks with Iran Farhad Pouladi and Jay Deshmukh, Agence France-Presse
Khamenei Says US 'Hiding a Dagger' in Talks with Iran
Farhad Pouladi and Jay Deshmukh, Agence France-Presse
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei lashed out at the United States on Tuesday, saying Tehran will reject any talks backed by its arch-foe because Washington is not to be trusted.
Full Article
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gS_YG7DFPgQewQXAWQzpXHTpPvkw
Farhad Pouladi and Jay Deshmukh, Agence France-Presse
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei lashed out at the United States on Tuesday, saying Tehran will reject any talks backed by its arch-foe because Washington is not to be trusted.
Full Article
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gS_YG7DFPgQewQXAWQzpXHTpPvkw
Iran and the West at a Crossroad Deepti Choubey, YaleGlobal
Iran and the West at a Crossroad
Deepti Choubey, YaleGlobal
Efforts to allay concerns about Iran's nuclear program are in danger of failing. Last week, by offering counterproposals, Iran essentially refused the international community's proposal to fuel the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) as a confidence building measure. Iran's rejection, due to domestic reasons or miscalculation, means that its Supreme Leader feels no urgency to rebuild confidence with the international community.
Full Article
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=24078
Deepti Choubey, YaleGlobal
Efforts to allay concerns about Iran's nuclear program are in danger of failing. Last week, by offering counterproposals, Iran essentially refused the international community's proposal to fuel the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) as a confidence building measure. Iran's rejection, due to domestic reasons or miscalculation, means that its Supreme Leader feels no urgency to rebuild confidence with the international community.
Full Article
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=24078
Iran Brings Urgency to U.S.'s Need to Ratify Nuclear-Test Treaty
Iran Brings Urgency to U.S.'s Need to Ratify Nuclear-Test Treaty
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=24023
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=24023
Why We Don't Need to Resume Nuclear Testing: A Reply to Senator Jon Kyl's "Why We Need to Test Nuclear Weapons" Daryl G. Kimball, Proliferation Analys
Why We Don't Need to Resume Nuclear Testing: A Reply to Senator Jon Kyl's "Why We Need to Test Nuclear Weapons"
Daryl G. Kimball, Proliferation Analysis
CTBTTwenty years ago this month, the Berlin Wall came down, hastening the end of the Cold War. Less than three years later, Moscow and Washington agreed to halt nuclear testing. In 1996, after more than 2,000 nuclear test explosions, the world’s nations concluded the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in order to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and prevent the renewal of superpower nuclear arms competition.
Today, there is no technical or military reason to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing, and it is in the national security interest to help prevent nuclear weapons testing by others.
Full Article
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=24079
Daryl G. Kimball, Proliferation Analysis
CTBTTwenty years ago this month, the Berlin Wall came down, hastening the end of the Cold War. Less than three years later, Moscow and Washington agreed to halt nuclear testing. In 1996, after more than 2,000 nuclear test explosions, the world’s nations concluded the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in order to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and prevent the renewal of superpower nuclear arms competition.
Today, there is no technical or military reason to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing, and it is in the national security interest to help prevent nuclear weapons testing by others.
Full Article
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=24079
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
NKorea says it has produced more bomb-making plutonium
NKorea says it has produced more bomb-making plutonium
Seoul (AFP) Nov 4, 2009 - North Korea announced Tuesday it has produced more plutonium for its atomic weapons programme, putting further pressure on the United States to start direct talks. The communist country "successfully completed reprocessing 8,000 spent fuel rods by the end of August" at its Yongbyon nuclear complex, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. "Noticeable successes have been made ... more
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/NKorea_says_it_has_produced_more_bomb-making_plutonium_999.html
Seoul (AFP) Nov 4, 2009 - North Korea announced Tuesday it has produced more plutonium for its atomic weapons programme, putting further pressure on the United States to start direct talks. The communist country "successfully completed reprocessing 8,000 spent fuel rods by the end of August" at its Yongbyon nuclear complex, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. "Noticeable successes have been made ... more
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/NKorea_says_it_has_produced_more_bomb-making_plutonium_999.html
Feds must use nuclear-reprocessing funds to meet rising energy needs
Feds must use nuclear-reprocessing funds to meet rising energy needs
The country's rising energy needs should prod the federal government to pursue nuclear-reprocessing initiatives using funding meant for the idle Yucca Mountain nuclear-fuel repository in Nevada, writes Nolan E. Hertel, a Georgia Tech professor. The fund, which has grown to $33.2 billion, can be used to develop technology for reprocessing fuel waste and increase the country's energy output, Hertel argues. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
http://www.ajc.com/opinion/funds-for-nuclear-reprocessing-183685.html#story-continued
The country's rising energy needs should prod the federal government to pursue nuclear-reprocessing initiatives using funding meant for the idle Yucca Mountain nuclear-fuel repository in Nevada, writes Nolan E. Hertel, a Georgia Tech professor. The fund, which has grown to $33.2 billion, can be used to develop technology for reprocessing fuel waste and increase the country's energy output, Hertel argues. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
http://www.ajc.com/opinion/funds-for-nuclear-reprocessing-183685.html#story-continued
Constellation, EDF agree to Md. conditions on proposed nuclear project
Constellation, EDF agree to Md. conditions on proposed nuclear project
Constellation Energy Group and Electricite de France agreed with the terms set by Maryland's Public Service Commission to proceed with a joint nuclear project worth $4.5 billion. Constellation said it secured clearance from its board and is "now moving to close the transaction as quickly as possible."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i8fvSilg1vlhulNW_tWHqFRc0z5AD9BNGJ202
Constellation Energy Group and Electricite de France agreed with the terms set by Maryland's Public Service Commission to proceed with a joint nuclear project worth $4.5 billion. Constellation said it secured clearance from its board and is "now moving to close the transaction as quickly as possible."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i8fvSilg1vlhulNW_tWHqFRc0z5AD9BNGJ202
Pakistani nuclear forces, 2009 BY ROBERT S. NORRIS AND HANS M. KRISTENSEN
Pakistani nuclear forces, 2009
BY ROBERT S. NORRIS AND HANS M. KRISTENSEN
Pakistan is enhancing its nuclear weapon capabilities across the board by developing and deploying new nuclear-capable missiles and expanding its capacity to produce fissile materials for use in weapons.
http://thebulletin.metapress.com/content/f828323447768858/?p=acb64a3f200e4a5bb5a76a65804b0802&pi=7
BY ROBERT S. NORRIS AND HANS M. KRISTENSEN
Pakistan is enhancing its nuclear weapon capabilities across the board by developing and deploying new nuclear-capable missiles and expanding its capacity to produce fissile materials for use in weapons.
http://thebulletin.metapress.com/content/f828323447768858/?p=acb64a3f200e4a5bb5a76a65804b0802&pi=7
Why South Korea needs pyroprocessing BY SEONG WON PARK
Why South Korea needs pyroprocessing
BY SEONG WON PARK
A lack of space to store South Korea's spent nuclear fuel is becoming a critical limitation to expanding nuclear power there. Enter next-generation pyroprocessing and fast reactors.
http://thebulletin.org/web-edition/op-eds/why-south-korea-needs-pyroprocessing
BY SEONG WON PARK
A lack of space to store South Korea's spent nuclear fuel is becoming a critical limitation to expanding nuclear power there. Enter next-generation pyroprocessing and fast reactors.
http://thebulletin.org/web-edition/op-eds/why-south-korea-needs-pyroprocessing
Climate change could be the next great military threat by Lee Gunn
Climate change could be the next great military threat
BY LEE GUNN
Climate change is poised to challenge U.S. security at home and abroad by affecting military facilities, strategies, and resources. Adaptation must start now.
http://thebulletin.org/web-edition/op-eds/climate-change-could-be-the-next-great-military-threat
BY LEE GUNN
Climate change is poised to challenge U.S. security at home and abroad by affecting military facilities, strategies, and resources. Adaptation must start now.
http://thebulletin.org/web-edition/op-eds/climate-change-could-be-the-next-great-military-threat
JOSHUA POLLACK Reducing the role of nuclear weapons
JOSHUA POLLACK
Reducing the role of nuclear weapons
The first step--the United States should declare a no-first-use policy, signaling to the world that its nuclear arsenal is for deterrence and deterrence only.
http://thebulletin.org/web-edition/columnists/joshua-pollack/reducing-the-role-of-nuclear-weapons
Reducing the role of nuclear weapons
The first step--the United States should declare a no-first-use policy, signaling to the world that its nuclear arsenal is for deterrence and deterrence only.
http://thebulletin.org/web-edition/columnists/joshua-pollack/reducing-the-role-of-nuclear-weapons
Monday, November 2, 2009
France questions US nuclear energy deal: report
France questions US nuclear energy deal: report
Paris (AFP) Oct 30, 2009 - The French government is raising doubts about the purchase of half of US nuclear energy company Constellation by state-controlled French operator EDF, the Financial Times reported on Friday. Citing government officials, the newspaper said that the government was keen for EDF to invest more in Europe as regulatory difficulties in the United States delay the 4.5-billion-dollar (3.0-billion-eur ... more
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/France_questions_US_nuclear_energy_deal_report_999.html
Paris (AFP) Oct 30, 2009 - The French government is raising doubts about the purchase of half of US nuclear energy company Constellation by state-controlled French operator EDF, the Financial Times reported on Friday. Citing government officials, the newspaper said that the government was keen for EDF to invest more in Europe as regulatory difficulties in the United States delay the 4.5-billion-dollar (3.0-billion-eur ... more
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/France_questions_US_nuclear_energy_deal_report_999.html
US state OKs tie-up of Constellation Energy, France's EDF
US state OKs tie-up of Constellation Energy, France's EDF
Washington (AFP) Oct 30, 2009 - The US state of Maryland on Friday approved a plan for France' EDF Group to take a stake in Constellation Energy Group, clearing the final hurdle for a new nuclear power plant in the state. US regulators earlier this month had green-lighted the joint venture plan for the French state-controlled company to acquire nearly half of Constellation's nuclear assets. The companies say the nuclea ... more
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/US_state_OKs_tie-up_of_Constellation_Energy_Frances_EDF_999.html
Washington (AFP) Oct 30, 2009 - The US state of Maryland on Friday approved a plan for France' EDF Group to take a stake in Constellation Energy Group, clearing the final hurdle for a new nuclear power plant in the state. US regulators earlier this month had green-lighted the joint venture plan for the French state-controlled company to acquire nearly half of Constellation's nuclear assets. The companies say the nuclea ... more
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/US_state_OKs_tie-up_of_Constellation_Energy_Frances_EDF_999.html
Nuclear fuel deal benefits Iran: Russian envoy
Nuclear fuel deal benefits Iran: Russian envoy
Tehran (AFP) Nov 1, 2009 - Russia's envoy to Tehran on Sunday urged Iran to sign on to a UN-drafted nuclear fuel deal in a bid to resolve the controversy over its atomic drive, which he said lacks "complete transparency." Alexander Sadovnikov's comments came a day after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Tehran that world powers had limited patience as Iran dilly-dallied over offering a categorical response ... more
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Nuclear_fuel_deal_benefits_Iran_Russian_envoy_999.html
Tehran (AFP) Nov 1, 2009 - Russia's envoy to Tehran on Sunday urged Iran to sign on to a UN-drafted nuclear fuel deal in a bid to resolve the controversy over its atomic drive, which he said lacks "complete transparency." Alexander Sadovnikov's comments came a day after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Tehran that world powers had limited patience as Iran dilly-dallied over offering a categorical response ... more
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Nuclear_fuel_deal_benefits_Iran_Russian_envoy_999.html
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