North Korea has emerged to be the ninth nuclear-armed state. This development could spur other states in Asia and the Middle East to join the club. As per an analytical study, made by the Carnegie Endowment for Peace in the U.S., the frontrunners are:

1. JAPAN: Sometimes described as a “virtual” nuclear weapons state, Japan has one of the world’s largest and most advanced civilian nuclear programs. It could likely have nuclear weapons within a few months of deciding it wanted them. The only nation ever to have nuclear weapons used against it, Japan has long been staunchly anti-nuclear. But the country has also grown increasingly nervous about what it sees as deteriorating regional security.

2. IRAN: In the mad race for emerging preeminent power in the Middle East, Iran is already on a defiant mood. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has already opened a heavy water plant in August 2006. Most estimates suggest that Iran is five to 10 years away from being able to produce weapons-grade uranium and plutonium.

3. TAIWAN: As recently as the late 1980s, Taiwan was within a few years of becoming a nuclear-armed state. But the United States and others insisted it back down. As the military balance between China and Taiwan tilts increasingly in the mainland’s favor, Taiwan could decide that it needs nukes to restore equilibrium fast. Like North Korea, Taiwan can argue that it faces an existential threat from a superpower.

4. SYRIA: Syrian president Bashir al-Assad claims he does not want nuclear weapons. Most experts don’t believe Syria is attempting to develop nuclear weapons. It did, however, acquire a civilian nuclear reactor from China in 1991 and a light-water reactor from Russia in 1999. The relationship with Russia has fueled speculation that Syria’s nuclear intentions are not pure, as have its missile purchases from North Korea and Pakistan.

5. SOUTH KOREA: It probably can’t produce weapons-grade plutonium or highly enriched uranium, despite having an advanced civilian nuclear sector. It did, however, secretly pursue nukes in the 1970s, and its scientists were researching clandestinely as late as 2000. And it could always import technology from elsewhere.