This special report concerning the efforts of highly placed Pakistani scientists and others to assist other countries' nuclear programs is brought to you by Robin Burk. It consists solely of her own views and research, and should not be construed as representing the views of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
In addition, we also have our in-depth Iraq Report and Winds of War briefings today.
TOP TOPICS
* More details are coming out about the Pakistani nuclear proliferation conspiracy, which now involves at least seven nations.
* A key factor in Pakistan's recent willingness to arrest Khan was the disclosure (hat tip: Dan Darling via Rantburg) by US intelligence forces that they had detailed evidence of Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan's central role. However, Khan has been pardoned and will be allowed to keep the money he made (including $50 million from Libya alone).
* The role of Pakistan as source for a "retail black market" in nuclear weapons programs continues to reverberate internationally. Colin Powell says the ring has been broken, although investigations continue.
* Meanwhile, a court challenge has been started to free Khan from house arrest and Pakistan refused to cooperate with the IAEA's investigation, saying it was an "internal matter".
* India is not impressed with that argument.
* Later, Mussharaf said Pakistan will help the UN investigate the sale of nuclear technology to Iran but refuses to allow its own nuclear program to be reviewed.
* Meanwhile, a general strike called by Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal failed, suggesting that many Pakistanis are becoming aware of their country's tenuous position. And one source claims that Khan transferred Iraqu WMD materials from Syria to Pakistan in the runup to the war.
* Meanwhile, the US is helping to secure Pakistan's nuclear capability against extremists and hopes that its acceptance of the Khan pardon will pay off in additional information about the nuclear black market.
Unfortunately, although other conclusions are possible the conclusion from all of this that best fits the evidence at hand to date (active campaign of proliferation by high ranking scientist, pardon, allowed to keep proceeds) appears to suggest complicity by the Musharraf government possibly Musharraf himself. Very discouraging.
Yes, that's my take too. It does look as if the Bush administration is being very prudent in how they deal with him, however - and that's reassuring. The last thing we need at the moment is for that country to dissolve in open civil war or to have the intelligence apparatus there openly insurgent.
The pressure is on, however, and I think Mussarraf realizes his options re narrowing daily.