Nuclear Programmes in the Middle East: In the shadow of Iran - Press Coverage
- 08 July 10 - - Financial Times - US allies join nuclear power quest
In April, Saudi Arabia said it was building an atomic and renewable energy “city”. With this move, the Arab world’s largest economy joined 13 countries in the Middle East that have announced new plans for nuclear power stations – or revived old ones – since 2006, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
- 21 Jul 09 - - Wall St Journal - UAE Nuclear Energy Push May Start Gulf Contract Bonanza
Ben Rhode, a research analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said while nuclear companies have a strong commercial interest in the U.A.E.'s nuclear power program, political security and business interests don't necessarily clash.
- 03 Apr 09 - - The National Post - World approaching new nuclear tipping point
According to London’s International Institute for Strategic Studies, at least 13 countries in the Middle East have announced new or revived plans to explore civilian nuclear energy projects, all of which carry the potential for further nuclear proliferation.
The sudden surge of interest is linked to rising energy needs in the region but is also directly related to growing concerns over Iran’s pursuit of nuclear technologies that appear designed to achieve a nuclear weapons capability.
- 16 Mar 2009 - - Congressional Quarterly - Administration Seeks ‘Just Right’ Approach to Iran Engagement
According to Mark Fitzpatrick, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, as many as 15 Middle Eastern countries have developed plans to explore nuclear technology since 2006.
- 06 Mar 09 - - ISN Security Watch - The UAE Nuclear Debate
Security Watch, "The UAE has very valid energy reasons for wanting nuclear power: They have booming economic growth and their electricity demand is going up by some incredible percentage."
The report noted that most of the programs are still immature, and that sustainable new reactor projects in the Middle East are at least 10 or 15 years away.
- 03 Mar 2009 - - US Senate Committe on Foreign Relations - Testimony of Mark Fitzpatrick
By Mark Fitzpatrick, Senior Fellow for Non-proliferation
