Egypt and Syria have launched plans to obtain nuclear weapons capabilities.A report by British intelligence asserts that Egypt and Syria have sought to obtain dual-use and other capabilities from the West to advance their nascent nuclear programs. The report, first disclosed by the Guardian on Oct. 7, said front companies for the governments in Cairo and Damascus have procured components and expertise from European Union members.
Entitled "Companies and Organisations of Proliferation Concern," the report by Britain's domestic intelligence agency, MI5, cited more than 360 companies and institutions suspected of seeking nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction technology and components. The report said Egypt and Syria have identified Britain as a supplier for some of these material and expertise.
The report cited the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission as having procured technology that could be used for the production of nuclear weapons. A private chemical company in Egypt was also cited.
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