Episode 5.6 discussion [re-watch]

[A Cousin]

(01-02-2011 02:12 PM)HellsBells Wrote:  

(31-01-2011 02:55 PM)A Cousin Wrote:  Harry replies that another option is that some crack pot extremist takes over in the interim who have been provided with enriched uranium to use as nuclear weapons against the west. Sounds very familiar.

That point doesn't actually work though because (as far as I know, not being an expert) that the enriched uranium required for power generating is no use in a nuclear weapon. The uranium has to be enrich considerably further which is the major huddle in nuclear weapons manufacture. That is why Russia were willing to supply Iran with uranium suitable for use in a nuclear power station a while ago.

I need to clarify myself. I think Harry was playing devils advocate re: the politics, not the science. I was referring to, and think the point Harry is making, is not about what they actually could or could not do with uranium (although even if they couldn't really do anything with it, they would certainly be one step closer), but the possibility of a change in leadership over the next 20 years of the deal and the intentions of that leadership. I also think he very much respects Wise's conviction because he just makes his point but offers the security being requested anyway.