podpolia

I think that this is a good sign. If Putin’s popularity level is free to fluctuate, then democracy is more likely to be working in Russia. There is no doubt that Putin should further liberalize his country, but outspoken criticism is definitely still allowed. The recent push to increase Russian military power might indicate that Putin is trying to put himself into a position as a dictator, but it’s still too early to be sure.

If this is true (and I really think it’s quite likely to be), then Iran is really moving quite quickly with its nuclear program. This kind of triggering device is considerably more sophisticated than the more simple explosive triggering devices on gun-type fission devices (like the one used over Nagasaki) or even the trickier implosion-type fission bombs (like the one used over Hiroshima). Low-yield weapons in Iran’s hands would be dangerous enough, but this type of trigger can be used for higher-yield weapons, which is even worse. Arguably, any nuclear device is bad (particularly if Iran already has Kh-55 cruise missiles capable of reaching Israel) but a larger one could do more damage, and is definitely worse.

If this is true (and I really think it’s quite likely to be), then Iran is really moving quite quickly with its nuclear program. This kind of triggering device is considerably more sophisticated than the more simple explosive triggering devices on gun-type fission devices (like the one used over Nagasaki) or even the trickier implosion-type fission bombs (like the one used over Hiroshima). Low-yield weapons in Iran’s hands would be dangerous enough, but this type of trigger can be used for higher-yield weapons, which is even worse. Arguably, any nuclear device is bad (particularly if Iran already has Kh-55 cruise missiles capable of reaching Israel) but a larger one could do more damage, and is definitely worse.