Mini-nukes on US agenda

[Dom Pedro II]

Simply because of my name, I beat you!!!

Who said you'll live through the Holocaust?

[Whaleboy]

Why not use the money to make modern nuclear weapons produce less fallout? Or maybe cure a few deseases?

Not going to happen really. They need at least two fission reactions to start a fusion reaction, the former creating the fallout, the latter only creating helium of course. No conventional chemical explosive could come anywhere close to doing the job. Even particle accelerators can only do controlled fusion-like stuff on a miniscule atomic level.

Because, if they carry out plans to create 'mini nukes', it'll be that much easier for our enemies (or terrosists) to steal them and use them against others

Unlikely because of majorly high security I would have thought. The danger is a small unit being developed independently, but that is a low risk, it would be easily detectable (how I know there are no WMD in Iraq... its the most heavily monitored piece of earth from space). It also requires testing which is easily detected, method of delivery. A briefcase bomb isn't feasible due to minimum size, though a truck or boat perhaps might work.

[Whaleboy]

Um... aren't they an everyday thing?

Exploding as standard munitions? Not thus far... hopefully it'll stay that way.

Really, I don't see the big deal. It's another deterrance weapon

Its not though, it would (if it could occur, which as I explained is unlikely (though you don't underestimate scientists)) become a standard munition, at least more so. Unlike large nukes, it would be useable, if you've seen Dr Strangelove, thats a similar situation to large nukes (if less technically perfect).

[Sprayber]

A two-day secret conference to plan the future of the American nuclear arsenal, including the development of so-called mini-nukes, is being held this week at StratCom, the headquarters of US Strategic Command in Nebraska.

Top secret meeting attended by top American Officials and members of the BBC press corp uh.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Exploding as standard munitions?

You people are utterly loony! These nukes will NOT be used. They are simply another deterrance device. Progress is good .

[iamlod]

Originally posted by elijah
Unlikely because of majorly high security I would have thought.

Maybe they'll take all the damn Airport Security and use it to guard these new nukes... then I would support them being made!

[Whaleboy]

You people are utterly loony! These nukes will NOT be used. They are simply another deterrance device. Progress is good.

The worlds largest military expenditure, the worlds largest "large" nuke arsenal, and an administration with the combined IQ of an iceberg lettuce is deterrent enough. These weapons are far, far more likely to be used, the only reason fusion bombs weren't dropped was the threat of MAD. Are you going to fire first when your actions will directly, then indirectly result in your mutual annihilation? Of course not!!! You have a target that is hard to hit with conventional explosives, you have little or no fear of retaliation in kind. You use the nuke.

The problem is that this target is rare at best, not justifying this force at worse, the radiation, and a small wee little barrier called the laws of physics!

[Whaleboy]

Maybe they'll take all the damn Airport Security and use it to guard these new nukes... then I would support them being made!

Amen to that!

[Imran Siddiqui]

[Whaleboy]

[Dis]

if we had a responsible president, I wouldn't have any problem with these nukes.

but I'm scared Bush will actually use them.

[Whaleboy]

Dissident: IF they are physically possible (which isn't the case - but intent is the most scary part), they will take so long in development that they won't be available to Bush (I believe he's only allowed 2 terms).

I think we need weed bombs. We detonate an enormous rocket full of cannabis in the atmosphere, causing everyone to mellow out, get along, and make sweet sweet love instead of war!

[Sprayber]

Is no one else not concerned that there was this supposedly secret meeting and the BBC happens to get an exclusive?

[Jack_www]

You people are over reacting. Most of these mini nukes would be used for etheir taking out underground bunkers or bio or chem weapons. This sounds like a good idea to me. Its not like they are going to start using them on cities or something.

[Dis]

the bunkers reside in the cities. because they know our weaknesses.

and I support dope bombs.