U.S. Army War College >> Strategic Studies Institute >> Publications >> Details

Thinking about Nuclear Power in Post-Saddam Iraq

Authored by Dr. Norman Cigar.

Brief Synopsis

Iraqis are debating the desirability of atomic power for their country. One can expect increasing Iraqi calls for a revival of the country’s nuclear capability, at least in the civilian sector, which reflects a general consensus within key sectors of Iraqi public opinion as well as a growing regional trend. The Iraqi government will continue to reestablish its legitimacy by its support of a nuclear program as a litmus test for modernity and success, and has asked France to rebuild its former reactor, although significant practical obstacles will hamper rapid development in the nuclear field. Despite a continuing widespread perception of the utility of nuclear weapons, at least in some sectors of Iraqi opinion, a near-term resumption of a military nuclear program is not likely, although volatile conditions in the region and within Iraq itself could change that option at some time in the future. U.S. and international policymakers will have to consider Iraqi views as they shape policy to manage the process of an orderly, safe, and peaceful nuclear reintegration of Iraq in the civilian sector while guaranteeing safeguards against both accidents and any future diversion of a nuclear program for military purposes or terrorist exploitation.

You may also be interested in the following titles:

• 
  The Challenge of Drug Trafficking to Democratic Governance and Human Security in West Africa

• 
  War and Insurgency in the Western Sahara

• 
  Egypt's New Regime and the Future of the U.S.-Egyptian Strategic Relationship

• 
  From Chaos to Cohesion: A Regional Approach to Security, Stability, and Development in Sub-Saharan A...

• 
  Governance, Identity, and Counterinsurgency: Evidence from Ramadi and Tal Afar

• 
  Jihadist Cells and "IED" Capabilities in Europe: Assessing the Present and Future Threat to the West

• 
  State-Building Challenges in a Post-Revolution Libya

• 
  The Future of American Landpower: Does Forward Presence Still Matter? The Case of the Army in Europe

Survey: Thinking about Nuclear Power in Post-Saddam Iraq

1. How would you rate the writing and overall quality?

12345

2. Is the content relevant for influencing present and future debates?

YesNoNo Opinion

Your Comments (No URLs Allowed):

If you'd like a reply to your comments, provide your email:
(optional)

View other pubs in the following categories:

Homeland Security and Defense
Middle East and North Africa
Iran
Iraq
Nation Building
Nonproliferation