US and Saudi Arabia Sign Historic Nuclear Deal, Raising Nuclear Proliferation Risks in the Middle East

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a historic agreement that would allow Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program. The agreement provides opportunities for U.S. companies to participate in Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy plans, but experts warn it could raise the risk of nuclear proliferation. The agreement was reached following a visit by Saudi Arabia's leadership to Washington last November. The agreement could bring in billions of dollars in revenue for the U.S. by allowing American companies to participate in the construction of uranium enrichment facilities in Saudi Arabia. However, nuclear nonproliferation activists and former Israeli officials have expressed concern that the agreement could give Saudi Arabia the capability to develop nuclear weapons.