Nuclear oversight important
Friday, July 6, 2007 12:34 PM PDT
While it gained little media play, an announcement Tuesday the United States and Russia pledged to continue to reduce stockpiles of nuclear warheads was a significant milestone.
The announcement — a joint statement from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov — said the two countries would continue on the path to slash their nuclear warhead inventory to a low level after the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty lapses in 2009.
At the same time, both nations will collaborate to help other world governments create stable, civilian nuclear power infrastructure while at the same time ensuring there is no spread of nuclear weapons.
Coming at a time of strained relations between America and Russia, the announcement is key. Still, there are relevant questions regarding commitment to the program by both nations that remain unanswered.
And there is the question swirling around the START treaty itself. The Russians want to create a new treaty, while the Bush administration apparently would rather not go that route.
The START treaty is significant because under its mandates, both nations have the capability to send inspectors in to verify compliance.
Part of the reluctance revolves around the fact Bush administration officials apparently are uneasy with foreign members of another nation gaining access to America’s nuclear arsenal. That is a valid concern. Still, it is in America’s interest to have some kind of oversight mechanism — such as inspectors — regarding Russia’s nuclear warhead bank.
The good news is both nations, judging by the joint statement, are prepared to keep on the road to seeking a solution.
The Bush administration, though, should renew the START treaty. It is one good way to keep watch on Russia’s nuclear arsenal without spending millions on intelligence activities that can be, and should be, used to fight the ever-widening global war on terror.
Shae wrote on Apr 21, 2009 11:57 AM: