By Khaled Abu Toameh, Gatestone Institute
US President Donald J. Trump’s proposed civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia risks becoming one of the most dangerous strategic mistakes in recent American Middle East policy.
Although supporters portray the agreement as a peaceful energy partnership designed to strengthen relations with a key Arab ally, the long-term consequences could be devastating.
The agreement threatens to weaken decades of US non-proliferation policy, ignite a regional arms race, embolden America’s adversaries, and create security risks that future generations may be powerless to reverse.
Congress and the American public should reject the agreement before it sets a precedent that could undermine global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
The most controversial aspect of the proposed agreement is that it reportedly allows Saudi Arabia to develop domestic uranium enrichment capabilities under safeguards that fall short of the stringent standards previously demanded by Washington.
While low-enriched uranium is used to fuel civilian nuclear reactors, the same technology can eventually produce highly enriched uranium suitable for nuclear weapons.
The danger is not theoretical.
