Author: Pramit Pal Chaudhuri
Publication: Hindustan Times
Date: February 17, 2007
URL: http://hindustantimes.com/news/181_1931096,001300850000.htm
Pakistan has agreed to provide Saudi Arabia
nuclear weapons and missiles last month, according to an Israeli intelligence
website debka.com.
The website stated that Pakistan President
Pervez Musharraf and Saudi King Abdullah concluded an agreement with "seven
secret clauses" on January 21, during his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan agreed to provide an atomic deterrent
in the event of "a nuclear emergency". The transfer of control would
also occur in case Iran threatened the Persian Gulf Emirates, Egypt or Jordan.
According to intelligence sources, the agreement
is impossible to confirm. However, it is a logical extension of a long-standing
Saudi-Pakistan nuclear understanding. The goal: ensure a nuclear Iran does
not dominate the Gulf.
Retired senior Indian officials believe the
Saudis have financed Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme through shipments
of cheap petrol since the 90s. In return, Pakistan was to provide a nuclear
weapon on request.
However, it is uncertain how the exchange
will occur.
While, Indian intelligence believes a number
of missiles will be designated as Saudi, but physically remain in Pakistan
with Riyadh controlling the launch button, others differ.
A Pentagon nuclear consultant said: "Saudis
would have to develop a system of ground-tracking stations and satellites.
This would be too much trouble and attract too much attention." But John
Pike, head of globalsecurity.org, said a large airplane could easily move
warheads, especially if the missiles are bought elsewhere.
The implications of such a nexus for India
would be negative, added the Pentagon advisor.
Email Pramit pal Chaudhuri: pramitpc@yahoo.com
