Saudi nuclear weapons 'on order' from Pakistan

[Snaquebite]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24823846

Snip

Saudi Arabia has invested in Pakistani nuclear weapons projects, and believes it could obtain atomic bombs at will, a variety of sources have told BBC Newsnight.

While the kingdom's quest has often been set in the context of countering Iran's atomic programme, it is now possible that the Saudis might be able to deploy such devices more quickly than the Islamic republic.

Earlier this year, a senior Nato decision maker told me that he had seen intelligence reporting that nuclear weapons made in Pakistan on behalf of Saudi Arabia are now sitting ready for delivery.

[Box]

What could possibly go wrong

[Sdiver]

Originally Posted by Billy L-bach

What could possibly go wrong?

Billy,
I know exactly where you're coming from. What could possibly go wrong?

But for some reason, I actually trust nukes being in the hands of the Saudi govt. than I do Pakistan's. I know they've (the Paki's) have had them for awhile, and as far we know, none of their inventory has made it to the "nuclear market", but I actually feel more comfortable with nukes in Saudi Arabia than any other ME or Islamic country.

That's crazy, isn't it?

[Ape Man]

Originally Posted by Sdiver

But for some reason, I actually trust nukes being in the hands of the Saudi govt. than I do Pakistan's. I know they've (the Paki's) have had them for awhile, and as far we know, none of their inventory has made it to the "nuclear market", but I actually feel more comfortable with nukes in Saudi Arabia than any other ME or Islamic country.

That's crazy, isn't it?

I trust the current Saudi government more than the current Pakistan government (damming with faint praise and all that). But I don't believe the current Saudi government will be in power for much longer. They have an insane succession system and the younger generations don't have the character to rule.

[MtnGoat]

Long time coming, just really wonder how long ago this really happen. Deals are never talk of by the House of Suad until they are completed.

[Flagg]

Originally Posted by MtnGoat

Long time coming, just really wonder how long ago this really happen. Deals are never talk of by the House of Suad until they are completed.

The Saudis have had Chinee made IRBMs for about 25 years by the looks of things.

The Saudi Strategic Missile Force is run by the son of a late crown prince and is related by marriage to two Saudi kings......pretty juiced up.

And there's been significant recent increase to Saudi missile launch facilities in the last 5 years.

My guess is this is a very long standing deal with Pakistan........quid pro quo:

Pakistan provides Saudi with a deniable insta-nuke capability

Saudi provides Pakistan with financial support to develop nukes and to keep Pakistan from economic collapse

I see three reasons for Saudi desire for a nuclear capability:

1)to counter Shia bomb
2)to force a response from the US or force US support for an Israeli response
3)"Plan B" in case of a Saudi Spring and the US lacks the intestinal fortitude to look the other way when the Saudi regime feels compelled to recreate the 1982 Hama slaughter.

What I'd like to see is the pressure and lobbying behind the scenes on this story*(and specifically who) over the years as this logically obvious story goes back about 25 years doesn't it?