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Iran and Kissinger
Henry Kissinger has just delivered another important speech, this week at the Munich conference. It contains a number of important challenges to anyone involved in the nuclear debate. One he rightly focuses on is Iran as a major puzzle within the necessary moves towards zero:
Zero: Creating the conditions for abolishing nuclear weapons
David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, gave a speech yesterday at IISS, London, for the presentation of a governmental survey on the conditions for abolishing nuclear weapons. Overall, it was not a groundbreaking speech. However, it is worthwhile noting that the Secretary of State stressed two main points:
US General says UK to get rid of Trident
The statement from Gen Jack Sheehan that the UK government is about to give up its nuclear deterrent took some by surprise over here in London when it was broadcast as part of Gordon Corera's fascinating report on BBC's prime-time World Tonight radio programme. No one has seriously suggested this likelihood beyond some vague hope, not anytime in the very near future at any rate. There is too much political baggage here for the Labour Party for logical consideration. What would a US General know about UK government intentions?
Former NATO commander calls on Britain to ditch Trident
Britain could lead the world, says US General
Politics around US tactical nuclear weapons in European host states
Though there is growing pressure on the US and NATO member states for the end of nuclear sharing, governments are reluctant to appear to challenge the relevance of the Alliance. The NATO Strategic Concept review is an opportunity to come up with more valuable measures that demonstrate commitment.
German statesmen, US policy and opinion shapers declare support for world without nuclear weapons
During the past week, four prominent German statesmen, the new Chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a Secretary-designate for the US Department of Energy, and a former lead researcher from one of the US national labs have all made strong public statements in support of the eventual goal of a world without nuclear weapons.