The False Hope of Nuclear Forensics? Assessing the Timeliness of Forensics Intelligence

The False Hope of Nuclear Forensics? Assessing the Timeliness of Forensics Intelligence
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Nuclear forensics is playing an increasing role in the conceptualization of U.S. deterrence strategy. While governments and the international community have continued to invest in capabilities and databases for tracking and characterizing the elemental signatures of nuclear material, the question persists as to the ability of nuclear forensics to contribute actionable intelligence in a post-detonation situation quickly enough. Should a nuclear attack occur, the need to respond quickly will trump the time required to adequately conduct nuclear forensics and characterize the origins of the nuclear material. By Philip Baxter.http://fas.org/pir-pubs/the-false-hope-of-nuclear-forensics-assessing-the-timeliness-of-forensics-intelligence/