Reply #12: Nukes in "elemental" stage [View All]

Syria has a small nuclear program that can be described, at best, as "elemental" to a nuclear fuel cycle program. Most of the program has revolved around research and the production of isotopes for use in medical and agricultural applications. Although Syria does not appear to have ever pursued nuclear weapons, there have been rumors that it considered doing so in the early 1980s. These rumors are mainly based on statements made by high-level Syrian officials and would-be arms suppliers. However, no nuclear weapons program has ever materialized or been initiated. It appears that the Syrian nuclear program continues to be focused solely on civilian nuclear research, based on international cooperation, and set to support a continued domestic aspiration for a nuclear power program.

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Syria's nuclear program remains in the fundamental stages of development, with virtually no fuel cycle facilities in operation. However, there are a number of operating research facilities in Syria, including the Der Al-Hadjar Nuclear Research Center near Damascus, a nuclear analysis laboratory, and the Scientific Research Institute (SRI) in Damascus.
Updated July 2003


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http://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/Syria/Nuclear/