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Sarram, a leading expert in the
field of nuclear safety, offers an in-depth look at international
intrigue among the so-called Nuclear Club. He’s well-qualified to do
so, having worked for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He
starts, somewhat shockingly, with a look at Israel’s attack on Iraq’s
nuclear facilities in 1981. The attack was in violation of the
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Years later, Israel again attacked a
nuclear facility, this time in Syria. Both facilities were
IAEA-approved. This material sets the stage for a closer look at
international deception regarding nuclear proliferation in Iraq, Syria,
Israel, Iran, Pakistan, India, and the U.S.
Sarram’s work is intellectually stimulating for readers who are
well-versed in this subject area, yet it also provides sufficient
background material for readers who are less familiar with nuclear
proliferation. His coverage of the NPT and the Iran-Contra Affair are
particularly compelling, and curious readers will appreciate the
inclusion of original source material scattered throughout the book.
Although the average person would probably agree that nuclear warfare
and brinkmanship politics are both frightening prospects, it is perhaps
less probable to establish a consensus regarding the proportion of
blame that may be attributed to international players. For this reason,
Sarram’s magnus opus should
be viewed as an enlightening perspective, yet it is certainly not the
only source of information one should consider. For example, outside
research indicates that other leading experts believe that, although
Israel’s attack on Iraq proved ineffective, Saddam Hussein would have
likely obtained a nuclear bomb by the mid-1990s, had it not been for
the Gulf War. Regardless of the conclusions a reader might reach, it’s
clear that when science and industry combine with politics and cold
warfare, the results can be terrifying.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review