On April 24, 2008, the CIA delivered a brief to the U.S. Congress on intelligence allegedly showing that North Korea had helped Syria build a nuclear reactor similar to the Yongbyon nuclear facility that North Korea has operated intermittently since 1985. Both countries deny the allegations, which were last aired in September, 2007 in a Washington Post story by reporter Glenn Kessler.
Israel Bombs Syrian Site
In September 2007 Israeli jets bombed a site in Syria that officials claimed to have been the site of a nuclear reactor.
Doubts
Syria is known to have a very small-scale nuclear program, of a size similar to those at civilian research universities in the U.S. and elsewhere; but prior to the April 24 presentation, no evidence has been shown of nuclear capabilities of any military importance. Many experts cite a pattern of false or mistaken allegations of Mideast WMD capabilities by intelligence branches under the direction of the Bush administration.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Briefings will be for members of congressional committees that deal with armed services, foreign affairs and intelligence.
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Date of briefings
April 24, 2008
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Fact:
The site was bombed by Israel in 2007
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Fact:
The United Nations criticized Israel and the United States or undermining the due process of the nonproliferation program
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Fact:
Syria denied United States allegations and accused the U.S. of complicity with the Israeli bombing campaign
