A former CIA operative has suggested that in the event of a nuclear war, two particular regions worldwide may remain unaffected, and surprisingly, neither of them is in Europe.
The escalating tensions reminiscent of the Cold War era have raised concerns globally, especially with the recent airstrikes on Iran by the USA and Israel. Amidst these fears, ex-CIA agent Andrew Bustamante has put forward the notion that certain parts of the world could potentially escape the devastation of a nuclear conflict.
Andrew explained that the safety of regions would depend on the possession of nuclear weapons by various countries and their geographical positions. Currently, there are nine nations known to possess nuclear capabilities, including the USA, Russia, China, the UK, France, North Korea, India, Pakistan, and Israel.
In a podcast with Steven Bartlett, Andrew highlighted that certain areas, such as South America and Africa, might be spared as the nuclear conflict primarily involves the nuclear-capable states engaging each other. He also mentioned that regions like Southeast Asia and Australia could be relatively safe, contingent upon the actions of Pakistan and India regarding their nuclear arsenals.
While concerns grow over the escalating tensions between the USA and Iran, Andrew’s primary worry extends beyond the immediate nuclear impact to the aftermath. He expressed concerns about potential chaos post-nuclear detonations, suggesting that African and South American regions might face turmoil from warlords taking advantage of the situation.
However, national security journalist Annie Jacobsen countered Andrew’s views, emphasizing the grave consequences of nuclear detonations, including the fires that could lead to a nuclear winter. She warned that even a small-scale nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan could trigger such catastrophic environmental effects, affecting global populations.
Andrew concluded with a grim perspective, reflecting on his training that advised taking immediate action in the face of a nuclear threat to avoid prolonged suffering from the aftermath. He emphasized the harsh reality of such scenarios, urging against the misconception of survival depicted in movies and TV shows.