Able Quote by George W. Bush
![“If the Iraqi regime is able to produce, buy or steal an amount of highly enriched uranium a little larger than a single softball, [it] could have a nuclear weapon in less than a year.” quote by George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/014/george-w-bush-64_able_if-the-iraqi-regime-is-able-to-produce-b_794941.jpg)
“If the Iraqi regime is able to produce, buy or steal an amount of highly enriched uranium a little larger than a single softball, [it] could have a nuclear weapon in less than a year.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: State of the Union, George W. Bush, 2002
A small amount of highly enriched uranium is enough to enable a nation to build a nuclear bomb within a year.
In simple terms: A tiny uranium stockpile can yield a bomb quickly.
Key Takeaway
Monitor and secure nuclear materials urgently.
Themes
security
nuclear proliferation
policy
risk
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
political
warning
When to use this quote
- border control
- customs inspections
- intelligence analysis
- diplomatic negotiations
- export controls
Key Concepts
non‑proliferation
deterrence
geopolitics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can detection be improved?
- What diplomatic tools deter illicit nuclear trade?
A Different Perspective
Even a modest stockpile can be used for weapons if detection fails.
![“The Iraqi regime is a threat of unique urgency. [...] It has developed weapons of mass death.” quote by George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f22/george-w-bush-64_death_the-iraqi-regime-is-a-threat-of-unique-u_3091347.jpg)
![“[Should] Iraq acquire fissile material, it would be able to build a nuclear weapon within a year.” quote by George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8e5/george-w-bush-64_able_should-iraq-acquire-fissile-material-it_1166579.jpg)
