Video Links North Korea to Syrian Reactor

Video showing a nuclear reactor under construction in Syria is expected to be released today by the White House, the New York Times reports. The video, shot before the reactor was obliterated by Israeli air strikes, confirms that Syrians had North Korean technological help. The design is similar to one used by North Korea to create weapons-grade plutonium.

Some observers say administration hawks are behind the release, aimed at scuppering an agreement that would drop sanctions against North Korea in exchange for a full declaration of nuclear activities. “Making public the pictures is likely to inflame the North Koreans,” said one source.  “And that’s just what opponents of this whole arrangement want, because they think the North Koreans will stalk off.” (More Syria stories.)