03-02-2006, 12:40 AM
http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/mar/01bush8.htm
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Scientists Versus Politicians?
The nuclear deal is a technical issue. But fact is that the Indian scientific community has made it clear they would like to carry on with their research programme without intrusive inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Not because they want to hide something, but because they want independence.
I find one thing funny. I have great admiration for Indian scientists, but the scientist's job is to pursue science and knowledge. I don't think it is the scientist's business to say how many weapons India should have and so on.
The scientists have the right to say that we need X amount to have a credible minimum deterrent -- for which they are commissioned. But when the scientific community dictates agreement and all that, then I would say they are going too far.
Another thing we should note is that eminent nuclear scientists in the US, Europe and elsewhere have always opposed nuclear weapons programmes. Scientists have felt that producing destructive weapons of such ferocity is not their proper goal.
I am sure Indian scientists are also disturbed with the development having violent dimensions.
But the fact remains that Indian scientists don't want constrains in their scientific quest. I am with them all the way. But beyond that point, it is for political leaders -- not scientists -- to decide on how many bombs India needs.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Scientists Versus Politicians?
The nuclear deal is a technical issue. But fact is that the Indian scientific community has made it clear they would like to carry on with their research programme without intrusive inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Not because they want to hide something, but because they want independence.
I find one thing funny. I have great admiration for Indian scientists, but the scientist's job is to pursue science and knowledge. I don't think it is the scientist's business to say how many weapons India should have and so on.
The scientists have the right to say that we need X amount to have a credible minimum deterrent -- for which they are commissioned. But when the scientific community dictates agreement and all that, then I would say they are going too far.
Another thing we should note is that eminent nuclear scientists in the US, Europe and elsewhere have always opposed nuclear weapons programmes. Scientists have felt that producing destructive weapons of such ferocity is not their proper goal.
I am sure Indian scientists are also disturbed with the development having violent dimensions.
But the fact remains that Indian scientists don't want constrains in their scientific quest. I am with them all the way. But beyond that point, it is for political leaders -- not scientists -- to decide on how many bombs India needs.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->