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Trump Approves Landmark Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia
(Wall Street Journal) Michael R. Gordon - President Trump has formally approved a landmark agreement with Saudi Arabia that will provide it with a civilian nuclear program, according to administration officials. The 30-year deal is designed to give American companies a central role in developing Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure. The new accord would have American companies build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint U.S.-Saudi study determines such a step would be warranted. The deal is expected to be submitted to Congress for review in the coming days. Trump administration officials say the U.S. playing a central role in the Saudi nuclear program would ensure enrichment remains peaceful. But critics argue that providing Saudi Arabia with a nuclear program would encourage the spread of nuclear technology in the Middle East. "Whither goes Saudi Arabia, so goes the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Egypt. The idea that this will have a happy ending is delusional," said Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center.