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TOPIC: Analysts Divided Over US Nuclear Weapons Stretegy (VOA 4/8/10)

Jen the Michigander

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Date: Apr 9, 2010

Analysts Divided Over US Nuclear Weapons Stretegy (VOA 4/8/10)	Permalink

http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Analysts-Divided-Over-New-US-Nuclear-Weapons-Strategy-90251917.html The United States announced this week a new strategic policy for its nuclear weapons that puts unprecedented emphasis on the nuclear threat from terrorists and rogue states, as opposed to traditional nuclear powers like Russia and China. Some analysts see the new policy as an important step in meeting the changing international situation. But critics call the move reckless and irresponsible. The Obama administration's new policy is a major departure from previous nuclear strategy. It seeks to defend the United States and its allies against terrorist organizations, which it sees as greater threats than countries like Russia and China that have large, decades old nuclear arsenals. U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates unveiled the new strategy at the Pentagon, saying it is driven by the changing nature of the security environment facing the United States. "The review rightly places the prevention of nuclear terrorism and proliferation at the top of the U.S. nuclear policy agenda," said Gates. "Given al-Qaida's continued quest for nuclear weapons, Iran's ongoing nuclear efforts and North Korea's [nuclear and missile] proliferation, this focus is appropriate and, indeed, essential - an essential change from previous reviews." "For generations, the United States' nuclear deterrent has helped prevent proliferation by providing our non-nuclear allies in NATO, the Pacific, and elsewhere with reassurance and security. The policies outlined in this review allow us to continue that stabilizing role," said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In a controversial move, the United States for the first time says it will not use atomic weapons against nonnuclear states that are in compliance with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, even if such countries attack the U.S. with biological or chemical weapons. There is no such commitment for countries like Iran and North Korea, which the United States says have violated non-proliferation obligations, pursed missile development and defied the directives of the United Nations Security Council. Tom Collina, Research Director for the Washington-based Arms Control Association, says the new policy is a positive step that will give countries an incentive to refrain from developing nuclear weapons. "The point of this document is to build support among other nations in the world to help the United States in its campaign to stop weapons programs in North Korea and Iran," said Collina. "For hard-liners in Pyongyang or hard-liners in Tehran who want nuclear weapons, they now have a new argument," said Bunn. They can say, 'Look, the United States is almost explicitly saying that we are on their target list, so we should have nuclear weapons in order to deter any attack on us.' So that, I think, is an unfortunate addition to the ammunition of pro-nuclear weapons advocates in Pyongyang and Tehran," he said. The new strategy states that America's atomic arsenal is poorly suited to address the challenges "posed by suicidal terrorists and unfriendly regimes seeking nuclear weapons." Still, the United States will maintain its nuclear triad of intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear-capable aircraft and submarines. Under the new strategy, the Obama administration will not develop new nuclear warheads or new capabilities for nuclear weapons - a move critics say will weaken the country's defense. __________________ Nobody puts THIS baby in the corner!

freespirit

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Posts: 1695

Date: Apr 9, 2010

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I sincerely hope this new strategy will not place us at greater risk. Obviously, a world in which fewer nuclear weapons exist sounds like a good thing. However, when there are rogue nations with unstable dictators at the helm, this is troubling.

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