Iraqi Nuclear Scientist, Mideast Expert Joins Council – Press Release

ROSWELL, Ga. – Mahdi Obeidi, PhD, a scientist and engineer, author lecturer, and Mideast expert, has joined the Firestorm Expert Council.

Dr. Obeidi was the scientist in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq responsible for making the enriched uranium needed to create nuclear weapons after the Israeli attack on the Osirak reactor in 1981. Vividly portrayed in the book The Bomb in My Garden, Dr. Obeidi was responsible for obtaining the components necessary to enrich the uranium and directing the members of the project. With the fall of the regime in 2003, Dr. Obeidi turned over the information to the U.S. and subsequently emigrated here.

Dr. Obeidi’s recent work has focused not only on his considerable technical expertise in areas such as nuclear energy, water sanitation and nanotechnology, but also on his background and understanding of the Mideast. He has lectured at various educational institutions, government agencies, and worldwide organizations, focusing on areas such as nonproliferation, security and technology.

The Firestorm Expert Council is comprised of dozens of highly respected leaders in security/safety, health/medicine, manufacturing/mining, crisis communications/response, risk management, law, finance and corporate governance/compliance. Distinguished members include Lt. Gen. Russel Honore´ (U.S. Army, ret.) and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher.

“It is an honor to be selected as an Expert Council member with Firestorm and to add my knowledge to critical disaster preparedness issues facing our nation, especially with regard to nuclear proliferation and dirty bombs,” Obeidi said. “Recent events suggest the need to stay continually vigilant, and I look forward to working with Firestorm and providing the American public with the critical information and planning protocols it needs to protect businesses, institutions and families.”

Firestorm offers institutions of all types access to products and services designed to mitigate the risks they face. The preparedness book “Disaster Ready People for a Disaster Ready America,” is available for free download at www.firestorm.com. Firestorm regularly conducts no-fee calls to provide companies with initial analysis of their business recovery and continuity plans.

“Dr. Obeidi is certainly one of the most interesting and valuable additions to the Expert Council,” Firestorm President/COO James W. Satterfield said. “Preparing our clients for business interruption and disasters includes understanding those, like 9/11, that are rare but catastrophic if successful. Dr. Obeidi’s presence will help us think through and prepare for such events and continue to allow us to address our clients’ needs.”

Satterfield can be reached [email protected] or 1-800-321-2219 ext. 4100. Media inquiries can be made to Mike Pennetti at [email protected] or 1-800-321-2219 ext. 4110.