Posted on 12/21/2007 2:51:34 AM PST by notes2005
U.S. scientists have discovered traces of enriched uranium on smelted aluminum tubing provided by North Korea, apparently contradicting Pyongyang's denial that it had a clandestine nuclear program, according to U.S. and diplomatic sources.
The United States has long pointed to North Korea's acquisition of thousands of aluminum tubes as evidence of such a program, saying the tubes could be used as the outer casing for centrifuges needed to spin hot uranium gas into the fuel for nuclear weapons. North Korea has denied that contention and, as part of a declaration on its nuclear programs due by the end of the year, recently provided the United States with a small sample to demonstrate that the tubes were used for conventional purposes.
The discovery of the uranium traces has been closely held by senior U.S. officials concerned that disclosure would expose intelligence methods and complicate the diplomatic process. North Korea has steadfastly refused to open up about its past practices, simply asserting that it is not engaged in inappropriate activities. However, the uranium finding will force U.S. negotiators to demand a detailed explanation from Pyongyang.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
There was a big explosion. I do believe the NK’s claimed it to be a nuke.
And now they deny it. WTF? Why do we even talk to these people?
Nothing to see here..... move along ....
“U.S. scientists have discovered traces of enriched uranium on smelted aluminum tubing provided by North Korea, apparently contradicting Pyongyang’s denial that it had a clandestine nuclear program, according to U.S. and diplomatic sources.”
It’s so funny to see the MSM act surprised when destructive totalitarian regimes lie.
My thoughts exactly. Bill Klinton’s friends. So we know they wish us no harm.
Were going to demand an explanation? That will have them quakin in their boots for sure. Whhheeeew am I relieved now.
Put in a call to 60 Minutes.
Why did Condi let this out....the SoS wants eevil to succeed in N.Korea. I absolutely want Condi Rice to be shown the door! Talk about a minority elitist idiot, she is it!
Again? This happened yesterday, too.
.....The United States has long pointed to North Korea's acquisition of thousands of aluminum tubes as evidence of such a program, saying the tubes could be used as the outer casing for centrifuges needed to spin hot uranium gas into the fuel for nuclear weapons. North Korea has denied that contention and, as part of a declaration on its nuclear programs due by the end of the year, recently provided the United States with a small sample to demonstrate that the tubes were used for conventional purposes.
The discovery of the uranium traces has been closely held by senior U.S. officials concerned that disclosure would expose intelligence methods and complicate the diplomatic process. North Korea has steadfastly refused to open up about its past practices, simply asserting that it is not engaged in inappropriate activities. However, the uranium finding will force U.S. negotiators to demand a detailed explanation from Pyongyang--------Media bias: BOB SIMON MARKETS HIS ANTI-WAR BIAS Accuracy in Media ^ | 12/11/02 | Notra Trulock
SEPTEMBER 10, 2002 Tuesday : (BBC ‘DISSING’ OF ALUMINUM TUBE STORY; SEE ALSO CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT & ISIS) A September 10 analysis by the BBC’s defense correspondent, Paul Adams, mentioned Cheney’s comments [”What we have seen recently is that [Saddam Hussein] is trying through his illicit procurement network to acquire the equipment he needs to be able to enrich uranium.” -— Dick Cheney] but noted pointedly, “Experts say the shipment does not necessarily prove anything.” The BBC quoted John Wolfstahl, deputy director of the Non-Proliferation Project at the Carnegie Endowment, as saying: “It’s disturbing but by no means a smoking gun.” A further quotation came from David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security in Washington: “It’s a weak indicator. A lot of people disagree with Cheney.”
One hopes these experts did not do the public a disservice. After all, the New York Times story also said: “The diameter, thickness and other technical specifications of the aluminum tubes had persuaded American intelligence experts that they were meant for Iraq’s nuclear program.” It seems a strong indicator. -——Tubes of Mass Destruction
By Simon Henderson, adjunct scholar The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Weekly Standard, September 23, 2002
Leave it to the MSM to go ahead and print it?
When did the discovery of NK enrichment program become news? We've only known about it for YEARS!
Thanks Piasa.
Oh, well, you know...
If it’s not lead paint on dolls, it’s date-rape drug in candy, it’s radioactive dust on aluminum tubes.
These Orientals are going to have to get with it on Quality Control.
One day somebody’s gonna get hurt.
Thanks for the ping. I imagine from this point forward whenever this type of issue comes up the aluminum tube controversy will be replayed with applicable adjustments by the con side of the argument, which will make it increasingly difficult to get objective intelligence on WMD.
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