40 countires interested in Nukes

WaPost on the spread of nuclear technology.

I do not really see the spread of nuclear power as a bad thing. I am more concerned about the spread of enrichment technologies. As the article notes it can spread bombs and it just puts more infrastructure on the market for something to go wrong (accidental or deliberate). And it will drive up the prices of an already very expensive technology.

In markets where the state dominates that wont be a problem, but in capitalistic markets it will be more of a concern. As government have to step in to help make offers worthwhile for banks to make an investment. But if prices are so high, then there should be a corresponding spread and rise of companies who will be building expensive elements. But it will take time for that to come on line.

On top of that, there will be tighter personnel shortages. If the US is having trouble... But, it would bring a lot of jobs and a lot of development to very many regions

However, when it comes down to it, any spread of technology will be such an investment and such a benefit that it will economically prudent to protect and properly invest in the technologies.

Although Yemen getting a nuke plant does scare me a little bit...

As for the Iranian situation focused on too much in the article... I see a bigger threat coming from Saudi Arabia and Egypt then any other countries for developing the bomb (or rather as it's been noted elsewhere, Saudi money and Egypt). But the whole region has been steadily advancing there anyway. I see it as more forward looking and towards meeting essential needs:

1. Desalinization of water for consumption.
2. Frees up more oil and gas for sale to further raise revenues.
3. Consistent power generation that is insulated from fuel costs.
4. Creates a new high tech sector in the economy.

These states definitely have to money to make all of the above work. As as the WaPost piece notes, all of this is pursued with in the UN framework, requesting UN assistance. What more can the international community ask for? With UN help comes UN monitoring. Even with monitoring it is possible to slip past. But think about it, is a country like Yemen (I hate to beat up on poor dysfunctional Yemen) going to be able to pull it off? Maybe the Gulf Sheikdoms, they've got the money to at least attempt it. I do not think they would be interested in a nuclear arsenal anyway, even with a nuclear Iran across the Persian Gulf.

UPDATE:
Mitsubishi is thinking about expanding their nuclear reactor vessel production facilities.