A lot of international attention has focused on North Korea and Iranian nuclear programs. However, Mark Fitzpatrick has an interesting article in the Japan Times concerning nuclear proliferation in Southeast Asia, specifically as it applies to rumors surrounding Myanmar’s nuclear ambitions. This blog has previously discussed Burmese defectors’ claims that the junta was developing nuclear weapons technology in collaboration with North Korean. While Fitzpatrick believes nations in the region should be able to have access to safe nuclear energy, they should also be transparent and follow the protocols of the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Bangkok Treaty). In the case of Myanmar, he recommends ASEAN member states take stronger action than with other member states: 1) watch them carefully, 2) try to influence them to adhere to the IAEA Additional Protocol and amend the Small Quantities Protocol (SQP) to Myanmar’s safeguards agreement, 3) Create a contingency plan in case that Myanmar is trying to acquire a nuclear arsenal or selling nuclear material to a rogue regime or non-state actor.
If these rumors are substantiated, this would likely accelerate and embolden America’s attempt to regain its footing in Southeast Asia, but where Myanmar is concerned, it would definately sour relations. Then again, China’ position is unclear, it is hard to believe that Chinese would be supportive of a nuclearized Myanmar. I seriously doubt that Myanmar wants to be isolated with its ownly friend being North Korea, so I’m not sure how valid these accusations are.
A few months ago, I wrote about the early stages of the conflict in Ukraine through the lens of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. While it appears likely that the war will carry on into the foreseeable future, enough time has passed for us to make an honest assessment of each side’s relative […]
The Ukrainian Army has made dramatic strides in the last few weeks. Ukraine’s tactical commanders have outfoxed their Russian counterparts, and by issuing a feint towards the south the UA has been able to earn substantial gains in the north of their country. The impact of these efforts have been compounded by the steady stream […]
In mid-May the Irish political party, Sinn Féin, won the plurality of seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Many American readers might not fully understand the significance of Sinn Féin’s political victory- but rest assured that subjects of the United Kingdom and a wide range of political movements the world over have heard the message […]
The first wave of the Russian offensive in Ukraine has fallen short of Russian autocrat Vladmir Putin’s ambitions. Most analysts deduced that Putin had hoped to achieve a decapitation strike of the Ukrainian government- taking Kiev and replacing Ukrainian President Vladimir Zolinski with a pro-Kremlin voice. Kiev has been threatened repeatedly through the course of […]
On the weekend of March 26th, the notorious MS-13 gang went on a massive killing spree in El Salvador which left more than 70 people dead by Sunday. Even for a country where powerful gangs hold massive sway, this recent tragedy stands out considering that it was the bloodiest day on record since the civil […]
