Well there is the military again raising flags about it's involvement. Those cunning devils are closer than we realize. Maybe even there, who knows?

The Times article is not wholly accurate. If they found traces of 'highly enriched' Uranium but it's not bomb grade? How do they conclude that? Highly enriched has crossed the threshold of atom separation into fusionable material. Uranium doesn't come with a Bomb Grade label.

At any rate, the situation is getting more interesting. You're probably right, Orrin, we seem to be winning at bit at a time.

You are Satan and we will destroy you.

- Um, how about some economic incentives?

You are the decadent enemies of God and we will uproot you.

- We'll give you some incredibly good financial terms!

You deny the true religion and engage in immoral practices constantly. You deserve to be reduced to rubble.

- We'll even throw in whatever nuclear reactors you want--for peaceful purposes, of course--as long as we, well, um, you know, have some sort of monitoring rights....

It is God's will that the Glorious Islamic Democratic People's Republic be in charge of its own destiny. Who are you cockroaches to even hint otherwise?

- We are really trying to help out here. We'll give you all kinds of economic assistance to help out your citizenry, who, as you are well aware---let's be honest, here---aren't in such hot shape financially.

You have been waging war on Islam from time immemorial. Therefore, you will rot in hell, and we will help you get there.

- Really now, that wasn't helpful. Come on, tell us what we can do to um show you that we really do want to work this out.

You deceitful Zionist enablers will learn that you can't fool around with the true believers.

- Ah, yes, Israel, well what more can we do really? Come now. Let's approach this like adults.

We are not afraid of your threats. We will bury you.

- But we will give you access to our markets and tax-free status on trade!

Why do you insist on constantly insulting us--and all of Islam? You will deeply regret your patronizing, colonialist attitudinizing!

- We are truly very glad to be able to conduct this dialogue with you and we are certain that we can find a mutually acceptable solution.

We absolutely refuse to negotiate with you under pressure! And to show you how displeased we are, we will enrich some more uranium. Maybe then you will understand our grievances.

- We thank you for your patience. Are you sure there's nothing else we can give you?

We despise your pretentiousness. Why won't you negotiate with us in good faith?

- But we are, we are. Please understand our position!

RETURN TO TOP

Folks never talk tougher than when they're folding.

Mr. Wall;

You need to enrich uranium to about 50% U-235 to get bomb grade material. You need it enriched to about 3% for reactor fuel. It wouldn't be completely off base to describe uranium enriched to something in the 4-49% range as "highly enriched but not bomb grade".

Note that the term "weapons grade" means 90+%, because you need that level of purity to make powerful weapons. 50% would be enough to make a low yield dirty weapon, but not an effective military weapon.

By dirty weapon do you mean one which will spread radiation but not do too much actual damage as in murder and mayhem?

Yes. If it's not sufficiently pure, the chain reaction doesn't proceed fast enough to complete before the critical mass is blown apart.

Also note that "not too much damage" is relative to what the same mass of weapons grade material would do. You still get a good sized boom from the bomb grade stuff.