Given the growing anxiety in security circles about the future of Pakistan, it should not be surprising that plans have been developed to snatch Pakistan’s nukes should the country fall into chaos, or under the influence of Islamists. Indeed, there are some reports that the U.S. special forces are conducting drills to do just that, should it become necessary.But this isn’t like 24. This would be an amazingly difficult operation. Where precisely are the nukes? According to Pakistani nuclear scientist Pervez Hoodboy,
”They are said to be hidden in tunnels under mountains, in cities, as well as regular army force and army bases.”
But he warns,” A U.S. snatch operation could trigger war; it should never be attempted. An American attack on Pakistan’s nuclear production or storage sites would be extremely dangerous and counterproductive,” the physicist said. “By comparison the bin Laden operation [into Abbottabad] involved only minor risks. Even if a single Pakistani nuke (out of roughly 100) escapes destruction, that last one could be unimaginably dangerous.”
There are so many unknowns with this type of operation. Will the nukes be dispersed? How well defended? How will we transport them? What are the implications if we attempt to destroy them? No easy answers. And yet, an Islamist Pakistan with nukes? Talk about a nightmare.
So if a crisis erupts, what will it be: snatch operation, or no snatch operation?
"To Snatch or not to snatch,that is the question.Read the full story here.
10 comments:
How about being honest enough to admit we have no solution. We are going a hundred miles per hour, the brakes are out, and the bridge is out.
Is that a trick question?
If we know where they are, we sign a secret treaty with India, try to form a "NATO" with english speaking democracies (including India), and get the GD nukes.
SIMULTANEOUSLY, the ISI is vaporized wherever they live, work and can be identified.
I think the message will be received, and if Pakistan goes to hell after that, they are big boys, as they proved euchring us, and can look after their own nation .... just so long as they DON'T COMPEL US TO GET INVOLVED AGAIN.
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Can I wake up now?
OMG! Neither possibility is palatable.
Like Epa said, WE NEED HELP!!
Crimson Tide provides the solution. Gene Hackman, not knowing the status of the Russian nukes; but knowing that they were fueling and could fire at any minute, was ready to rise to launching depth and release the birds in a pre-emptive strike to avert an attack on America.
I don't about youse guys, but as far as I'm concerned, SNATCH IS ALSO THE BEST OPTION, no matter what the question is.
There's a joke our European readers won't get.
LOL Pastorius. :)
Would have been a better joke if I had written it correctly:
I don't know about youse guys, but as far as I'm concerned, SNATCH IS ALWAYS THE BEST OPTION, no matter what the question is.
nice try, Pastorius...
too late.
Yeah, you're right.
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