There’s nothing encouraging about this report. Nothing at all:

“The determination of countries across the Middle East and Asia to develop nuclear arsenals and other weapons of mass destruction is laid bare by a secret British intelligence document which has been seen by the Guardian. More than 360 private companies, university departments and government organisations in eight countries, including the Pakistan high commission in London, are identified as having procured goods or technology for use in weapons programmes.”

Pakistan? Our ally, Pakistan?

“The 17-page document identifies 95 Pakistani organisations and government bodies, including the Pakistan high commission in London, as having assisted in the country’s nuclear programme. The list was compiled two years ago, shortly after the security service mounted a surveillance operation at the high commission which is the only diplomatic institution on the list. Abdul Basit, the deputy high commissioner, said: “It is absolute rubbish for Pakistan to be included. We take exception to these links.”

So should we.

Others on the list: Iran (there’s a surprise), Syria (and another…), Egypt (a country that the US helps bankroll), Israel (and another…), and India (another ally).

As I said, there’s nothing encouraging about this report, nothing at all.