nerdgirl 0 #1 July 26, 2008 Do you al Qa'eda could acquire a nuclear weapon? Again not does al Qa'eda *want* to possess a nuclear weapon. But do you think al Qa'eda has the capability to acquire one and that there also are/were sources from which an assembled nuclear device could be obtained? Not a radiological dispersive device (RDD), aka 'dirty bomb' or a crudely assemble an improvised nuclear device (w/enough highly enriched uranium) … but acquire an assembled nuclear weapon. If yes, from where do you think al Qa'eda would acquire it? Russia? Other former Soviet States that covertly withheld nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union? Pakistan? DPRK? The question's not purely out of my squishy gray matter … another on-line discussion forum recently featured the topic “Is It Possible for Al-Qa'ida To Obtain Weapons of Mass Destruction?” (it’s in Arabic; note which side of the screen the scroll bar is situated). The Ana al-Muslim forum is among the oldest Salafist/radical Islamists websites (1996) – basically Speakers Corner for radical Salafist militants across the planet. Membership is estimated at over 60k. VR/Marg Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #2 July 26, 2008 Quote Do you al Qa'eda could acquire a nuclear weapon? Again not does al Qa'eda *want* to possess a nuclear weapon. But do you think al Qa'eda has the capability to acquire one and that there also are/were sources from which an assembled nuclear device could be obtained? Not a radiological dispersive device (RDD), aka 'dirty bomb' or a crudely assemble an improvised nuclear device (w/enough highly enriched uranium) … but acquire an assembled nuclear weapon. If yes, from where do you think al Qa'eda would acquire it? Russia? Other former Soviet States that covertly withheld nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union? Pakistan? DPRK? The question's not purely out of my squishy gray matter … another on-line discussion forum recently featured the topic “Is It Possible for Al-Qa'ida To Obtain Weapons of Mass Destruction?” (it’s in Arabic; note which side of the screen the scroll bar is situated). The Ana al-Muslim forum is among the oldest Salafist/radical Islamists websites (1996) – basically Speakers Corner for radical Salafist militants across the planet. Membership is estimated at over 60k. VR/Marg Absoufukinlutly. I'd say the Pakis are their best bet currently. Iran down the road. Money talks.I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
downwardspiral 0 #3 July 26, 2008 If they haven't already than I don't think it's very likely. When an entire species is chasing your ass it's hard enough to go out and get a sammich let alone a nuke. I did say maybe because there was a point and time when it wouldn't have been too difficult for them to aquire one.www.FourWheelerHB.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vortexring 0 #4 July 27, 2008 Depends on the Paki's really....Remember the helo's you mentioned? Made good use of them didn't they?Still think it's money well spent? 'for it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "chuck 'im out, the brute!" But it's "saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot.' Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #5 July 27, 2008 I think it's very unlikely, but not impossible. I think it's doubtful they would buy one, since that's not a very efficient use of a lot of money. However, theft is a semi-reasonable possibility. Apparently, judging from reports of the US Air Force over the past year, a US warhead seems as likely to be stolen as one from any other country. Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #6 July 27, 2008 I think it's possible, though not very probable, that al Qaeda may be able to acquire a nuclear weapon of some type, but I do not think they'll be able to deliver it, or maintain it. Russia has been getting a lot of funding from the US, and rich billionaires (like the Soros Foundation) to secure their weapons and stabilizing employment for the scientists. So, I'd rule them out. Many of the former Soviet states did not hold a real interest in keeping any weapons (I think Ukraine is the only one that did ??). Many of the southern states were happy to be rid of them from what I understand. While A.Q. Khan sold information, Pakistan's military seems to have a good hold on its facilities. DPRK would seem to be a good source too, however Kim Jong Il, while wacky, isn't so retarded that he'd risk it. The US might even witness China doing the dirty work for us if an "event" were to happen. Honestly, if the pieces come together, it will be from various sources. I don't think they'll be able to acquire a fully assembled ready-to-pop weapon from any of the nuclear powers (US, UK, France, Pakistan, India, China, Russia - did I get them all).So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #7 July 27, 2008 Quote (US, UK, France, Pakistan, India, China, Russia - did I get them all) You missed Israel and possibly North Korea.Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #8 July 27, 2008 QuoteQuote (US, UK, France, Pakistan, India, China, Russia - did I get them all) You missed Israel and possibly North Korea. Well, Israel has never formally acknowledged it's own (but you're right, we "know"...I guess), and DPRK is hopefully starting on the path of abandoning its program.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #9 July 27, 2008 The legendary and highly sought-after "Suitcase from Allah" isn't as easy to obtain as one might think. Nukes take a lot of TLC, and even the Russians had controls to prevent accidental and intentional misuse. To defeat those and still have a viable weapon on the other end would be a tall order. And just like 9/11, they'd only get away with it once. You see, all nukes leave fingerprints as to where they were made, and there aren't that many places where they can be made. If something like that (the Suitcase from Allah scenario) happened, we'd find out pretty quickly where it came from. Retribution would be on its way shortly thereafter. Those responsible would be made to pay, like say, nuking Pyonyang. No one on earth would dare stand in our way - there would literally be hell to pay. If this scenario did take place, I think the other nuclear powers would suddenly get very, very cooperative. I'm not dismissing the scenario out of hand. It could happen, but it's a long shot."The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #10 July 27, 2008 QuoteNo one on earth would dare stand in our way - there would literally be hell to pay. Literally? Really? What would we be, Warriors of Yaveh/Allah? I never realized the implications of a nuclear attack. Wow.Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #11 July 27, 2008 "If something like that (the Suitcase from Allah scenario) happened, we'd find out pretty quickly where it came from." > Kind of like how we quickly found Bin ladin? Or did we NOT WANT to find him? Got to keep the sheep skeered don't ya know? I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #12 July 28, 2008 If they were to do so, I would look first at Pakistan. I think they "COULD." The chances of it happening are remote. The consequences should they do so are extreme. Making it a severe risk. I think they can. I on't think they will. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdgirl 0 #13 July 28, 2008 Quote Do you al Qa'eda could acquire a nuclear weapon? I forgot the verb! Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cloudseeker2001 0 #14 July 28, 2008 Quote Do you al Qa'eda could acquire a nuclear weapon? Again not does al Qa'eda *want* to possess a nuclear weapon. But do you think al Qa'eda has the capability to acquire one and that there also are/were sources from which an assembled nuclear device could be obtained? Not a radiological dispersive device (RDD), aka 'dirty bomb' or a crudely assemble an improvised nuclear device (w/enough highly enriched uranium) … but acquire an assembled nuclear weapon. If yes, from where do you think al Qa'eda would acquire it? Russia? Other former Soviet States that covertly withheld nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union? Pakistan? DPRK? The question's not purely out of my squishy gray matter … another on-line discussion forum recently featured the topic “Is It Possible for Al-Qa'ida To Obtain Weapons of Mass Destruction?” (it’s in Arabic; note which side of the screen the scroll bar is situated). The Ana al-Muslim forum is among the oldest Salafist/radical Islamists websites (1996) – basically Speakers Corner for radical Salafist militants across the planet. Membership is estimated at over 60k. VR/Marg The best way to acquire a nuke would be to get legally voted into a country that has them.......I seem to recall a couple of times in history an entire country experienced a legal revolution....... Well, except in the case of our own government back in 2000. "Some call it heavenly in it's brilliance, others mean and rueful of the western dream" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ErricoMalatesta 0 #15 July 28, 2008 Al Qa'eda specifically or Al Qa'eda as an umbrella term for anyone who wants to attack the U.S? I think the more important scenario is the later and that the chances increase as U.S aggression increases so the future isn't looking too good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites