R
Roger Dewhurst
Guest
FrontPage Interviews guest today is Hadi T. Ardestani, a Nuclear Waste
Management Expert and a Nuclear Issues Specialist in the Marze Por Gohar
Party (MPG), an Iranian opposition party seeking the establishment of a
secular republic in Iran.
FP: Hadi T. Ardestani, welcome to Frontpage Interview.
I would like to talk to you today about the Electromagnetic (EMP)
threat. Many people are not really that familiar with it. Give us the
definition and tell us what it is all about.
Ardestani: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk about one of the
more significant but least discussed national security threats: EMP.
EMP comes from the words Electromagnetic Pulse, which occurs when a
high-altitude nuclear detonation produces an immediate flux of gamma
rays from the nuclear reactions within the device. These photons, in
turn, produce high-energy free electrons by compton scattering at
altitudes between (roughly) 20 and 40 km. These electrons are then
trapped in the Earths magnetic field, giving rise to an oscillating
electric current. This current is asymmetric in general and gives rise
to a rapidly rising radiated electromagnetic field called an
electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Because the electrons are trapped
essentially simultaneously, a very large electromagnetic source radiates
coherently.
There are three main types of explosions to be considered on the effects
of the electromagnetic pulse. These are near-surface bursts,
medium-altitude bursts, and high-altitude bursts. Near-surface bursts
are those at altitudes up to 1.2 miles, medium-altitude bursts range
from 1.2 miles to 19 miles, and high-altitude bursts are those above 19
miles. These altitudes are only rough guidelines.
FP: Tell us about the effects of EMP.
Ardestani: Since EMP is electromagnetic radiation traveling at the speed
of light, all of the affected area could possibly be affected almost
simultaneously. With such a possible threat, it is important to consider
what may be affected. Because of the intense electromagnetic fields
(about 10 kV/m) and wide area of coverage, the EMP can induce large
voltages and currents in power lines, communication cables, radio
towers, and other long conductors serving a facility.
Some other notable collectors of EMP include railroad tracks, large
antennas, pipes, cables, wires in buildings, and metal fencing. Although
materials underground are partially shielded by the ground, they are
still collectors, and these collectors can deliver the EMP energy to a
larger facility. This produces surges that can destroy the connected
device, such as power generators or long distance telephone systems. An
EMP could destroy many services needed to survive a war.
It is also important to realize how vulnerable the military is to EMP.
Military systems often use the most sophisticated and therefore most
vulnerable, electronics available, and many of the systems that must
operate during a nuclear war cannot tolerate the temporary disturbances
that EMP may induce. Furthermore, many military duties require
information to be communicated over long distances. This type of
communication requires external antennas, which are extremely
susceptible to EMP. Also, some military duties require
information-gathering techniques. Many of these techniques use
electronic devices connected directly to antennas or radar. Although the
devices may be inside shielded buildings, the antennas bring the EMP
inside, to the electronics.
In conclusion, the immediate effects of EMP are disruption of, and
damage to, electronic systems and electrical infrastructure. EMP is not
reported in scientific literature to have direct effect on people in the
parameter range of present interest. But its volatile state, a small
amount of nuclear weaponry potentially just one weapon can produce a
catastrophic impact on our society. This makes EMP a candidate to be
used in a massive terrorist attack.
Here is a possible scenario according to Mr. T. Kennedy:
Let us say the freighter ship launches a nuclear-armed Shahab-3 missile
off the coast of the U.S. and the missile explodes 300 miles over
Chicago. The nuclear detonation in space creates an electromagnetic
pulse (EMP). Gamma rays from the explosion, through the Compton
Effect, generate three classes of disruptive electromagnetic pulses,
which permanently destroy consumer electronics, the electronics in some
automobiles and, most importantly, the hundreds of large transformers
that distribute power throughout the U.S. All of our lights,
refrigerators, water-pumping stations, TVs and radios stop running. We
have no communication and no ability to provide food and water to 300
million Americans.
You can easily imagine what this will do to aircraft in flight and the
damage to all modes of transportation as well.
FP: As the Nuclear Committee Chairman of MPG, to what extent do you
think Iran is capable of launching an EMP attack?
Ardestani: First, as I have made clear in many of my statements, I
totally do not believe the idea that the Islamic Republic of Irans
nuclear program is or could be and/or may change into a peaceful and
civilian program.
They certainly will use any tools they can possibly use to extend and
establish the Islamic Republic throughout the world. This is their goal
as indicated in their constitution which has clearly assigned the duty
of global Jihad to the Revolutionary guards and the military. This is
also what they constantly declare all the time in their local media.
I confirm that scientifically they have enough power to make an EMP
attack. There is no guarantee that they will stop at that and wont
attempt conventional nuclear attacks. This Islamic government has not
displayed any moral or ethic discipline towards anyone and has shown
zero interest in engaging anybody on any level.
The proof is here: look at the recent massacre on the streets of Iran
after the presidential election. This Islamic government shows no
reservations about torture and remorselessly murders its own people and
even more their own colleagues. When given a rope, the regime has used
it to hang Iranians; when given stones they have stoned people; when
given guns, they have executed dissidents. What do you think the Islamic
Regime will do were it to acquire nuclear weapons?
The Islamic Republic of Iran has developed a modern missile program and
has tested their missiles in the Caspian Sea twice in the last eight
years, launching ballistic missiles in a way to set off an EMP.
FP: What does the latest evidence tell us about Irans capabilities?
Ardestani: According to the latest figures on Irans nuclear progress
released by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Irans stockpile of
low-enriched uranium continues to grow, as does the capacity of the
Natanz enrichment plant, where 8,000 gas centrifuges are currently
installed.
Just a few weeks ago, a new enrichment plant near the city of Qum was
announced as it had become clear that its existence had been discovered
and was about to be exposed. New plants and facilities are being
discovered in Iran every few months. Based on the IAEAs figures, I
would say that Irans stockpile should be sufficient to fuel two nuclear
weapons by the end of this year if the material were further processed
to weapons-grade.
Furthermore, the Obama administration announced recently that it will
scrap plans to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe put
forward by former President George W. Bush. Irans missile capability
appears to be a major factor in this shift. According to U.S. Secretary
of Defense Robert Gates, Irans short and medium range missiles are
developing more rapidly than previously projected, requiring a missile
shield that relies on existing technology and can be put in place quickly.
In this context, it is crucial to understand both the current status of
Irans missile arsenal, and how easily Iran could improve the range and
accuracy of this arsenal. As a result, I believe that Iran could easily
carry out an EMP attack.
FP: Which country is most threatened if Iran acquires nuclear weapons
capability and perpetrates an EMP attack?
Ardestani: The first country to be put into clear and present danger by
the acquisition of nuclear weapons and an EMP attack by the Islamic
Theocracy in Iran is Israel and by default the United States in
addition to all the other countries in the region.
FP: Have any actions been taken in this regard around the world?
Ardestani: Certainly. In September 2009 we had a national conference on
the EMP threat in Niagra Falls, New York held by the EMPACT America
organization.
FP: What is EMPACT?
Ardestani: EMPACT stands for EMP-Act. EMPACT America is a bipartisan,
non-profit organization for citizens concerned about protecting the
American People from a nuclear or natural electromagnetic pulse (EMP)
catastrophe. Their web site is www.empactamerica.net
FP: Who were some of the speakers?
Ardestani: There were a whole range of highly qualified technical
experts, scientists, political leaders and military authorities covering
the issue from various angles. Notably I could name: former Speaker of
the House, Newt Gingrich, former Arkansas Governor Mike Hukabee, William
Forstchen, Frank Gaffney, Larry Greenfield, Brigitte Gabriel, Clifford
May, Roozbeh Farahanipour, Dr. V. Pry president of EMPACT America, Avi
Schnurr and many others.
FP: What was the MPGs role in that conference?
Ardestani: Roozbeh Farahanipour, on behalf of the MPG Party, presented
the Islamic Republics angle of this threat by discussing the nature,
goals and capabilities of the regime. As an opposition party consisting
mainly of younger generation Iranians, we have not only experienced
first hand the nature of the regime, but have many concerned sources
within Iranian institutions that convey their fears and concerns to us
regularly.
FP: How can people educate themselves about EMP?
Ardestani: There is a lot of material on EMP on the internet which
anybody can access and get familiar with. There are, of course, numerous
academic and scientific sources which more technically educated people
can use for research.
FP: What can concerned citizens do?
Ardestani: First of all, people should be aware of the concept of the
threat and the fact that in todays world numerous enemies with EMP
capabilities exist and more are relentlessly pursuing the technology.
Second, people should learn to relate major political, ideological and
strategic developments in the world with the major technological and
military capabilities at the disposal of forces and governments seeking
the destruction of Western civilization and culture of freedom. Active
and aggressive entities such as the Islamic Republic of Iran, Al Qaeda,
Hezbollah, North Korea and many others are prime candidates who have
either acquired the EMP technology, are close to acquiring it or can be
equipped with it by their more powerful patrons in short order.
People should also follow up with the activities of EMPACT through
EmpactAmerica.net and keep themselves up to date.
Management Expert and a Nuclear Issues Specialist in the Marze Por Gohar
Party (MPG), an Iranian opposition party seeking the establishment of a
secular republic in Iran.
FP: Hadi T. Ardestani, welcome to Frontpage Interview.
I would like to talk to you today about the Electromagnetic (EMP)
threat. Many people are not really that familiar with it. Give us the
definition and tell us what it is all about.
Ardestani: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk about one of the
more significant but least discussed national security threats: EMP.
EMP comes from the words Electromagnetic Pulse, which occurs when a
high-altitude nuclear detonation produces an immediate flux of gamma
rays from the nuclear reactions within the device. These photons, in
turn, produce high-energy free electrons by compton scattering at
altitudes between (roughly) 20 and 40 km. These electrons are then
trapped in the Earths magnetic field, giving rise to an oscillating
electric current. This current is asymmetric in general and gives rise
to a rapidly rising radiated electromagnetic field called an
electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Because the electrons are trapped
essentially simultaneously, a very large electromagnetic source radiates
coherently.
There are three main types of explosions to be considered on the effects
of the electromagnetic pulse. These are near-surface bursts,
medium-altitude bursts, and high-altitude bursts. Near-surface bursts
are those at altitudes up to 1.2 miles, medium-altitude bursts range
from 1.2 miles to 19 miles, and high-altitude bursts are those above 19
miles. These altitudes are only rough guidelines.
FP: Tell us about the effects of EMP.
Ardestani: Since EMP is electromagnetic radiation traveling at the speed
of light, all of the affected area could possibly be affected almost
simultaneously. With such a possible threat, it is important to consider
what may be affected. Because of the intense electromagnetic fields
(about 10 kV/m) and wide area of coverage, the EMP can induce large
voltages and currents in power lines, communication cables, radio
towers, and other long conductors serving a facility.
Some other notable collectors of EMP include railroad tracks, large
antennas, pipes, cables, wires in buildings, and metal fencing. Although
materials underground are partially shielded by the ground, they are
still collectors, and these collectors can deliver the EMP energy to a
larger facility. This produces surges that can destroy the connected
device, such as power generators or long distance telephone systems. An
EMP could destroy many services needed to survive a war.
It is also important to realize how vulnerable the military is to EMP.
Military systems often use the most sophisticated and therefore most
vulnerable, electronics available, and many of the systems that must
operate during a nuclear war cannot tolerate the temporary disturbances
that EMP may induce. Furthermore, many military duties require
information to be communicated over long distances. This type of
communication requires external antennas, which are extremely
susceptible to EMP. Also, some military duties require
information-gathering techniques. Many of these techniques use
electronic devices connected directly to antennas or radar. Although the
devices may be inside shielded buildings, the antennas bring the EMP
inside, to the electronics.
In conclusion, the immediate effects of EMP are disruption of, and
damage to, electronic systems and electrical infrastructure. EMP is not
reported in scientific literature to have direct effect on people in the
parameter range of present interest. But its volatile state, a small
amount of nuclear weaponry potentially just one weapon can produce a
catastrophic impact on our society. This makes EMP a candidate to be
used in a massive terrorist attack.
Here is a possible scenario according to Mr. T. Kennedy:
Let us say the freighter ship launches a nuclear-armed Shahab-3 missile
off the coast of the U.S. and the missile explodes 300 miles over
Chicago. The nuclear detonation in space creates an electromagnetic
pulse (EMP). Gamma rays from the explosion, through the Compton
Effect, generate three classes of disruptive electromagnetic pulses,
which permanently destroy consumer electronics, the electronics in some
automobiles and, most importantly, the hundreds of large transformers
that distribute power throughout the U.S. All of our lights,
refrigerators, water-pumping stations, TVs and radios stop running. We
have no communication and no ability to provide food and water to 300
million Americans.
You can easily imagine what this will do to aircraft in flight and the
damage to all modes of transportation as well.
FP: As the Nuclear Committee Chairman of MPG, to what extent do you
think Iran is capable of launching an EMP attack?
Ardestani: First, as I have made clear in many of my statements, I
totally do not believe the idea that the Islamic Republic of Irans
nuclear program is or could be and/or may change into a peaceful and
civilian program.
They certainly will use any tools they can possibly use to extend and
establish the Islamic Republic throughout the world. This is their goal
as indicated in their constitution which has clearly assigned the duty
of global Jihad to the Revolutionary guards and the military. This is
also what they constantly declare all the time in their local media.
I confirm that scientifically they have enough power to make an EMP
attack. There is no guarantee that they will stop at that and wont
attempt conventional nuclear attacks. This Islamic government has not
displayed any moral or ethic discipline towards anyone and has shown
zero interest in engaging anybody on any level.
The proof is here: look at the recent massacre on the streets of Iran
after the presidential election. This Islamic government shows no
reservations about torture and remorselessly murders its own people and
even more their own colleagues. When given a rope, the regime has used
it to hang Iranians; when given stones they have stoned people; when
given guns, they have executed dissidents. What do you think the Islamic
Regime will do were it to acquire nuclear weapons?
The Islamic Republic of Iran has developed a modern missile program and
has tested their missiles in the Caspian Sea twice in the last eight
years, launching ballistic missiles in a way to set off an EMP.
FP: What does the latest evidence tell us about Irans capabilities?
Ardestani: According to the latest figures on Irans nuclear progress
released by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Irans stockpile of
low-enriched uranium continues to grow, as does the capacity of the
Natanz enrichment plant, where 8,000 gas centrifuges are currently
installed.
Just a few weeks ago, a new enrichment plant near the city of Qum was
announced as it had become clear that its existence had been discovered
and was about to be exposed. New plants and facilities are being
discovered in Iran every few months. Based on the IAEAs figures, I
would say that Irans stockpile should be sufficient to fuel two nuclear
weapons by the end of this year if the material were further processed
to weapons-grade.
Furthermore, the Obama administration announced recently that it will
scrap plans to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe put
forward by former President George W. Bush. Irans missile capability
appears to be a major factor in this shift. According to U.S. Secretary
of Defense Robert Gates, Irans short and medium range missiles are
developing more rapidly than previously projected, requiring a missile
shield that relies on existing technology and can be put in place quickly.
In this context, it is crucial to understand both the current status of
Irans missile arsenal, and how easily Iran could improve the range and
accuracy of this arsenal. As a result, I believe that Iran could easily
carry out an EMP attack.
FP: Which country is most threatened if Iran acquires nuclear weapons
capability and perpetrates an EMP attack?
Ardestani: The first country to be put into clear and present danger by
the acquisition of nuclear weapons and an EMP attack by the Islamic
Theocracy in Iran is Israel and by default the United States in
addition to all the other countries in the region.
FP: Have any actions been taken in this regard around the world?
Ardestani: Certainly. In September 2009 we had a national conference on
the EMP threat in Niagra Falls, New York held by the EMPACT America
organization.
FP: What is EMPACT?
Ardestani: EMPACT stands for EMP-Act. EMPACT America is a bipartisan,
non-profit organization for citizens concerned about protecting the
American People from a nuclear or natural electromagnetic pulse (EMP)
catastrophe. Their web site is www.empactamerica.net
FP: Who were some of the speakers?
Ardestani: There were a whole range of highly qualified technical
experts, scientists, political leaders and military authorities covering
the issue from various angles. Notably I could name: former Speaker of
the House, Newt Gingrich, former Arkansas Governor Mike Hukabee, William
Forstchen, Frank Gaffney, Larry Greenfield, Brigitte Gabriel, Clifford
May, Roozbeh Farahanipour, Dr. V. Pry president of EMPACT America, Avi
Schnurr and many others.
FP: What was the MPGs role in that conference?
Ardestani: Roozbeh Farahanipour, on behalf of the MPG Party, presented
the Islamic Republics angle of this threat by discussing the nature,
goals and capabilities of the regime. As an opposition party consisting
mainly of younger generation Iranians, we have not only experienced
first hand the nature of the regime, but have many concerned sources
within Iranian institutions that convey their fears and concerns to us
regularly.
FP: How can people educate themselves about EMP?
Ardestani: There is a lot of material on EMP on the internet which
anybody can access and get familiar with. There are, of course, numerous
academic and scientific sources which more technically educated people
can use for research.
FP: What can concerned citizens do?
Ardestani: First of all, people should be aware of the concept of the
threat and the fact that in todays world numerous enemies with EMP
capabilities exist and more are relentlessly pursuing the technology.
Second, people should learn to relate major political, ideological and
strategic developments in the world with the major technological and
military capabilities at the disposal of forces and governments seeking
the destruction of Western civilization and culture of freedom. Active
and aggressive entities such as the Islamic Republic of Iran, Al Qaeda,
Hezbollah, North Korea and many others are prime candidates who have
either acquired the EMP technology, are close to acquiring it or can be
equipped with it by their more powerful patrons in short order.
People should also follow up with the activities of EMPACT through
EmpactAmerica.net and keep themselves up to date.