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A Nuclear Threat from Egypt?

(Washington Times) James Hackett - Even after accepting some $50 billion in aid for not fighting Israel, the Egyptian government continues trying to acquire weapons that would be most useful against Israel. According to the German daily Die Welt, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak signed an agreement in Beijing in January for Chinese help to mine uranium in the Sinai Peninsula and to enrich uranium. Citing Western intelligence sources, the article suggests Egypt is laying the groundwork for a nuclear weapons capability, noting the calls of high-ranking Egyptian officers for nuclear weapons to face Israel. Last year, there were reports Egypt had bought 50 Nodong missiles from North Korea, which could provide the delivery capacity for such weapons of mass destruction. U.S. intelligence sources have confirmed the deal. If Cairo wants to continue receiving large sums in U.S. aid, it must provide full transparency about its dealings with such countries as North Korea, China, and Libya. The administration should also send the new Patriot PAC-3 missile interceptor to U.S. allies in the area as an effective defense against Scuds and Nodongs.
2002-07-23 00:00:00
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