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Terror Networks
Former FBI consultant: Al-Qaida Has Nuclear Weapons, Likely Inside U.S.
2004-07-13
Posted by:Mark Espinola

#8  Here's a link to a good discussion about "micro nukes" http://www.geocities.com/wecontrolamerica/bali2.html"

I have to express some respect for the author's observations and analysis, and even his conclusions, but - I have a lot of questions about his attribution of responsibility.

Posted by: Lone Ranger   2004-07-13 11:42:01 PM  

#7  Two years ago, based on scanty information, CNS concluded that such weapons (a) existed and (b) were intended for special forces of the Ministry of Defense (Spetsnaz). We also tentatively sketched the likely characteristics of these weapons. Newly available information confirms and expands these conclusions. It has been disclosed that these weapons were indeed intended for Spetsnaz. Two versions of these devices were created - RA-155 for the army and RA-115-01 for the navy (to be used under water). The weight of one device was 30 kilograms and it could be armed by a single operator in just 10 minutes.[4] These weapons, which were called "nuclear backpacks" ("yadernyi ranets"), had a yield of 0.5 to 2 kilotons and could contaminate areas of up to 10 square kilometers. They were kept at only two secret storage facilities and had never been released to troops.[5]

Information vital for the assessment of the threat presented by these weapons if they had fallen into the wrong hands has also been confirmed, namely that "nuclear suitcases" have a very short shelf-life and have protection against unauthorized use. The former director of Research Institute No. 4 (the research arm of the Strategic Rocket Forces) General (ret.) Vladimir Dvorkin confirmed that portable nuclear devices were designed in such a way that they could not remain in the ready-to-use status for a long time because certain components had to be periodically replaced by experts[6] (sources quoted in the CNS report mentioned regular maintenance at six-month intervals). In addition to some type of permissive action link (PAL) device, they were also protected against attempts to forcibly remove electronic locks. In the event of such an attempt, the weapon automatically switched into a "non-use" mode and would not explode.[7]


Link for the rest.

In addition to the above, it's my understanding that the smaller the weapon, the "hotter" the fissile material must be and thus the more difficult it is to handle. In addition the decay of the hotter material leads to isotope problems developing rather quickly and rendering the weapon less effective/useless. If you thought of it as the usable shelf-life of the weapon decreasing something like exponentially with the size of the core you probably wouldn't be far off.
Posted by: AzCat   2004-07-13 11:38:08 PM  

#6  Someday they'll have them unless we kill them all and shut off their funds

Well that's the plan then, agreed?
Posted by: Frank G   2004-07-13 10:50:50 PM  

#5  Good speculation that Al Q wants nukes and spectacular detonation events.

However, this is an agglomeration of rumors and facts (chechen mafia, suitcases, Khan, etc) daisy chained together.

If they had them, they'd use them. Someday they'll have them unless we kill them all and shut of their funds.
Posted by: JAB   2004-07-13 10:41:32 PM  

#4  In other words he knows 2 things: Jack and Sh*t.

That's an RB Classic, OldSpook. I needed that one after the Phillipine govt fiasco....
Posted by: Alaska Paul   2004-07-13 10:38:16 PM  

#3  Worldnet - the right's verison of the Star and National Enquirer.

"Williams, an investigative journalist, has worked as an FBI consultant."

And ther you have it - a journalist who allegedly worked as a "consultant" for the FBI.

In other words he knows 2 things: Jack and Sh*t.

And worldnet gives him a megaphone like they do many other tinfoil beanie loon.
Posted by: OldSpook   2004-07-13 10:36:39 PM  

#2  so are Scully and Mulder...don't mock
Posted by: Frank G   2004-07-13 9:56:28 PM  

#1  Williams just KNOWS this, eh? But no one else does? Why exactly is he a FORMER FBI consultant, anyway?
Posted by: eLarson   2004-07-13 9:51:59 PM  

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