Jordan Wants “Peaceful” Nuclear Program, King Says

Jordan wants to develop a peaceful nuclear program in order to generate energy, and has approached Western nations with the plan, King Abdullah II said today (see GSN, Dec. 18, 2006).

“The rules governing the nuclear issue have changed in the entire region,” Abdullah told the Haaretz newspaper.  “The Egyptians are looking for a nuclear program (see GSN, Sept. 25, 2006).  The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) are looking for one (see GSN, Dec. 15, 2006), and we are actually looking at nuclear power for peaceful and energy purposes.”

Countries that develop a nuclear power infrastructure should follow international law and allow inspections, Abdullah said.

“What’s expected from us should be a standard across the board.  We want to make sure this is used for energy.  What we don’t want is an arms race to come out of this,” he said.

One expert said Jordan lacks the resources to develop nuclear power.  Abdullah’s statement is likely to be a message that a regional nuclear arms race could result if Iran becomes an atomic power, Shlomo Brom, a researcher at the Israeli Institute for National Strategic Studies, told the Associated Press.

“Abdullah might be saying that if the Iranians aren’t prevented from getting a nuclear program, Jordan and everyone else will want one of their own,” he said (Matti Friedman, Associated Press/USA Today, Jan. 19).

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