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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Israel names Russians helping Iran build nuclear bomb
2009-10-04
Israel's prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has handed the Kremlin a list of Russian scientists believed by the Israelis to be helping Iran to develop a nuclear warhead. He is said to have delivered the list during a mysterious visit to Moscow.

"We have heard that Netanyahu came with a list and concrete evidence showing that Russians are helping the Iranians to develop a bomb," said a source close to the Russian defence minister last week.

"That is why it was kept secret. The point is not to embarrass Moscow, rather to spur it into action."

Ephraim Sneh, a former Israeli deputy defence minister, warned that time was running out for action to stop the programme.

"If no crippling sanctions are introduced by Christmas, Israel will strike," he said. "If we are left alone, we will act alone."
Israeli sources said it was a short, tense meeting at which Netanyahu named the Russian experts said to be assisting Iran in its nuclear programme.

In western capitals the latest claims were treated with caution. American and British officials argued that the involvement of freelance Russian scientists belonged to the past.

American officials said concern about Russian experts acting without official approval, had been raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a report more than a year ago.

"There has been Russian help. It is not the government, it is individuals, at least one helping Iran on weaponisation activities and it is worrisome," said David Albright, a former weapons inspector who is president of the Institute for Science and International Security.

However, Israeli officials insist that any Russian scientists working in Iran could do so only with official approval.

Robert Einhorn, the special adviser for non-proliferation and arms control to Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, is understood to believe that Russian companies have also supplied material that has been used by Iran in the production of ballistic missiles.

Iran's conduct over the next few weeks will determine whether the West continues its new dialogue or is compelled to increase pressure with tougher United Nations and other sanctions.

Ephraim Sneh, a former Israeli deputy defence minister, warned that time was running out for action to stop the programme. "If no crippling sanctions are introduced by Christmas, Israel will strike," he said. "If we are left alone, we will act alone."
Posted by:lotp

#6  ISRAELI MILITARY FORUM > [Dutch MP-Celeb GEERT WILDERS: ISRAEL IS "FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE" FOR WEST.

* IIRC WAFF > NATIVE AMERICANS TELL ISRAEL: GOD GAVE YOU THE LAND SO DEFEND/FIGHT FOR IT.
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2009-10-04 21:24  

#5  A little polonium is always good for ending embarassment.
Posted by: Lumpy Elmoluck5091   2009-10-04 18:59  

#4  Israel's bet for the Dead Pool?
Posted by: Frank G   2009-10-04 16:58  

#3  Yea but for Russia, nuclear exchange in ME = raise in price of oil, is a desirable outcome.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru   2009-10-04 16:40  

#2  Compare with the German/Nazi scientists who helped Nasser develop missles in the 1950's. Given the nature of the nuclear weaponry being developed the current situation is infinitely more evil while the purpose remains the same - kill Jews...
Posted by: borgboy   2009-10-04 15:10  

#1  It's OK. The Russian's promised Pres. Obama that they would help with the nuclear problem with Iran.
Posted by: DK70 the scantily clad   2009-10-04 14:49  

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