Yousaf Butt

Yousaf Butt is a nuclear physicist and is currently serving as a scientific consultant to the Federation of American Scientists on national security issues. Previously, he served on the Committee on International Security and Arms Control at the US National Academy of Sciences.

Further Military Assistance to Israel May Be Illegal Under US Law

Though the fatalities in the latest flare up between Israel and Hamas – about 285 Palestinians and two Israeli killed so far – dwarf those in other conflicts, the American public needs to pay particular attention to what’s happening there. The US is not merely an onlooker here: we are directly involved in militarily supporting … Continue reading “Further Military Assistance to Israel May Be Illegal Under US Law”

What Is the Quality of Scientific Evidence Against Iran?

This week the P5+1 and Iranian officials meet again to try to narrow differences over a comprehensive nuclear deal, which is to last for an as-yet unknown duration. Reaching an agreement will be a challenging task because Iran and P5+1 seem to disagree – among other things – about the enrichment capacity Iran should be … Continue reading “What Is the Quality of Scientific Evidence Against Iran?”

Iran Sanctions: Built to Fail

Conditions for lifting sanctions go way beyond anything having to do with Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program, making it impossible for Iran to extricate itself – this could be intentional, making the military "option" a necessity. More than 90 US senators recently sent a letter to President Obama urging him to slap further sanctions on Iran  – unfortunately, … Continue reading “Iran Sanctions: Built to Fail”