Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Laser Technology Stirs Nuke Fears

A new method of creating nuclear fuel with lasers could make it easier for Iran and other rogue nations to build atomic weapons. Scientists say lasers can help refine fuel-grade uranium into possible weapons grade in fewer steps than utilizing centrifuge technology. That could make laser enrichment a viable and attractive option for any country wanting to secretly develop nuclear weapon capability, something the West accuses Iran of doing with its centrifuge-based program.
Tehran’s building of underground centrifuge plants and the Islamic Republic’s history of hiding nuclear work from UN inspectors has fueled Western suspicions of a covert Iranian atom bomb program. That threat has also prompted Israeli threats to attack Iranian nuclear sites.
The Islamic Republic claims it already has laser technology but won’t use it; however nuclear experts doubt Iran has yet mastered the technology. Olli Heinonen, a former United Nations chief nuclear inspector, says "Iran had its own laser program, and they have got a good understanding about the process," adding that laser technology is more difficult to master than centrifuge know-how. He says the equipment used in Iran's research was dismantled and placed in storage under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring.
A 2011 report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank concluded that based on the IAEA assessment, “it appears unlikely that Iran's laser enrichment program represents a serious proliferation threat."
Throughout all of history mankind has built weapons of war and God commanded the ancient Jews to fight their enemies (Deut. 1:41). While ancient swords and catapults could capture a city, today’s weapons are capable of destroying the entire planet. Pray that nuclear weapons won’t fall into the hands of terror nations and that Israel will be able to defend itself against those who would seek its destruction.  Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
To read the original Jerusalem Post article, click here.

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