Diplomatic cables released by the web site Wikileaks reveal that since 2007 the U.S. has secretly been trying to remove highly enriched uranium from a Pakistani research reactor, out of concern that it could be diverted for illicit purposes. Other disclosures related to Pakistan show that Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah called Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari the greatest obstacle to Pakistan's progress, commenting, "When the head is rotten, it affects the whole body;" a rail line between Iran and Pakistan is being delayed indefinitely because of Baluch insurgents in both countries; and the crown prince of Abu Dhabi called Zardari "dirty but not dangerous," and said his political rival Nawaz Sharif is "dangerous but not dirty". Pakistan has defended its nuclear stance and criticized the release of the cables, which are expected to number around a quarter million. Some of the cables also reportedly described Afghan President Hamid Karzai as "driven by paranoia" and an "extremely weak" leader; detailed an incident in which Afghanistan's then-vice president was found carrying $52 million in cash during a visit to the UAE last year; and noted Karzai's half-brother Ahmed Wali Karzai's allegedly corrupt business dealings. Karzai's spokesman said U.S.-Afghan relations will not be affected by the leaks. "Such comments are not new," said Waheed Omar. A spokesman for the Taliban said the militant group is reviewing the cables and will try and punish any Afghan informants they capture.
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