Nuclear race in the Middle East: Gulf states announce program

WorldTribune.com: "GCC leaders announced plans to conduct a feasibility study of a nuclear energy program that would include all six member states. Gulf Arab leaders said any nuclear program would be peaceful.

The higher committee ordered a GCC-wide study to be carried out to create a joint program in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, according to international standards and arrangements a GCC communique said on Dec. 10.

Arab diplomats said the GCC decision was meant to challenge Iran's nuclear program. Teheran, denying full access to the International Atomic Energy Agency, has also insisted that its nuclear program was civilian.

'There is absolutely no need for a nuclear energy program in these oil-rich states,' a diplomat said. 'But it puts Iran on notice that the GCC will be able to rapidly build a program that could lead to a nuclear weapons option.' " Continue....