The Genie is Out of the Bottle
WILKINS@hws.edu
Thu, 28 May 1998 09:50:58 -0500 (EST)
With the announcement that Pakistan has exploded a nuclear device, the question
that is foremost in my mind is who will be next? The nuclear balance in the
world is being re-established and me thinks there shall be a race for other
countries who have long been suspected (or confirmed) as having nuclear
power to flex their muscles. India was the first and they let the proverbial
genie out of the bottle. Pakistan's explosion actually came as no surprise
to me (nor to most of you I am sure), but what I will be interested in
seeing is how the long-established nuclear powers react.
Shall we start a FoRK pool on which country will be next? My bets go with
Israel or South Africa. I believe that Israel is further along than South
Africa ... so, I say Israel within 2-3 weeks. Any other predictions for the
pool? The prize for winning? I will buy the winner a beer if they are willing
to travel to Geneva, NY to collect the prize -- I know I am safe that no one
will take me up on this offer, so perhaps I should raise the stakes and say
dinner at Geneva's finest restaurant ;-) (i.e. A run-down greasy spoon
diner...that's about all this town has to offer)
Janie