Reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, the UAE has clearly indicated they have no intention of creating a nuclear weapon. Danny Sebright, President of the US-UAE Business Council at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was highly supportive of the agreement and is planning on providing their support of the measure. Sebright offered "We look forward to engaging Congress and answering any of their questions." He further showed his support by stating "We believe the agreement is rock solid and will stand on its merits." Sebright served as Director of Policy Executive Secretariat for the global war on terrorism for the Defense Department for five months. Secretary of State Clinton now must formally submit the agreement to Congress. The agreement would go in to effect unless Congress votes to block it. Clinton was named as Obama's pick for Secretary of State back in November of 2008 and began work in the position on January 22nd, 2009. Clinton made an unannounced trip to Iraq on April 25th.
Obama will fulfilled yet another campaign promise when he visits Egypt to deliver a major international speech to the Muslim world. The announcement of the civil nuclear agreement comes several weeks before that scheduled trip to Egypt.
By 2017, the UAE expects to build several nuclear reactors capable of outputting a total of 40,000 megawatts of power. In 2007, the UAE was number three amongst the world's largest exporters of oil.
GE and Westinghouse Electric Co, both builders of U.S. reactors, are likely to gain substantial market share if Congress does not vote to block the agreement. The estimated value of this market is $40 billion making it a very illustrative venture for U.S. based companies.
One of the expected concerns centers on Iran and their nuclear bomb capabilities. Representative Howard Berman (CA), Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, has indicated that Congress will examine the agreement to ensure that Iran's nuclear bomb capabilities are not enhanced. It is anticipated that Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), ranking Republican of the foreign affairs panel, will raise the question of illegal shipments from the UAE to Iran. These illegal transshipments have been a point of contention for some time. It remains to be seen whether these issues can be addressed and whether Congress will sit back or see its way to block the agreement.
