DISADVANTAGE/RUSSIA

IMPACT: RUSSIA WILL TRIGGER NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION

RUSSIA ACTS TO CONSOLIDATE ITS INFLUENCE, AND WILL ASSIST IN PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION TO ACHIEVE IT -- IRAN, IRAQ, SYRIA

Mark Gage, Professional Staff Member for East Europe and the New Independent States, Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives, Heritage Foundation Reports, April 6, 1998; Pg. 30, HEADLINE: THE FUTURE OF UNITED STATES -- RUSSIAN RELATIONS acs-VT99

With regard to fighting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, here, once again, Russia is playing a role intended to regain its power over its "sphere" rather than to combat this global threat.

First, the cooperation between Russia and Iran is extensive and, as we have all heard reported in the press, now appears to involve the sale of missile components and technology in addition to the advanced conventional weapons and civilian nuclear reactors it has previously encompassed.

Second, Russia remains a friend to Saddam Hussein, the dictator in Iraq. That friendship is exhibited in the negotiations at the United Nations, where Russia seeks to lessen the sanctions on Iraq even as Hussein refuses to meet U.N. requirements for inspections of suspected WMD sites. (With regard to Iraq, has there yet been a satisfactory answer to the questions, raised in a press report a few years ago, that Russian ballistic missile gyroscopes were found to have been smuggled into Iraq?)

Third, it is reported that Russia is seeking to reinvigorate its military sales to Syria -- sales that may include some advanced weaponry, perhaps including chemical warheads.

RUSSIA IS NOW SPONSORING MILITARY TRAINING WITH IRAQ

DOUGLAS BUSVINE February 25, 2001, Chicago Sun-Times SECTION: SUNDAY NEWS; Pg. 32 HEADLINE: Iraq a growing nuke threat; Europe could be in missile range soon //VT2002acsln

Iraqi opposition groups said radar and missile equipment was being smuggled into Iraq from Russia via Iran. Jordan had been abandoned as a conduit as Western border surveillance had increased. Moscow is also said to be stepping up training of Iraqis in the use of equipment and in intelligence.

"There is very strong evidence that former KGB officers are training Iraqi military intelligence officials," said a leading expert on Iraqi security. He added that an increasing number of Iraqi officers were now taking Russian language courses.

Russia's assistance is badly needed following the toppling of Saddam's former ally, the former Yugoslavian president Slobodan Milosevic.