BASIC has submitted a brief to the US Strategic Posture Review Commission. Here is an excerpt from the Executive Summary:
Programmes
Bilateral nuclear disarmament strategies after the Ossetian conflict: A personal perspective
One of my second or third reactions to the news last Friday was shock over the impact on our agenda that depends so heavily upon establishing a positive relationship between the US and Russia. I have been avoiding being pessimistic in public because that doesn't help anyone, but it really doesn't look good. From my perspective, though, while the Russian response on Friday was undoubtedly disproportionate, it would be wrong to characterize this as Russia displaying a disinterest in negotiations with the United States and instead challenging democracy head-on.
Iran update: number 123
Summary
- Iran misses supposed imposed deadline to respond to P5+1 updated incentives package
- Solana receives letter from Tehran, P5+1 reported to have deemed it an “unacceptable” response
- Isra
Italian op-ed for nuclear disarmament
In an op-ed published on 24 July 2008 on Il Corriere della Sera, Gianfranco Fini, Massimo D'Alema, Giorgio La Malfa, Arturo Parisi and Francesco Calogero called for Italy and Europe to make their contribution to the propagation of new 'shared vision' and pave the way toward the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.
The dilemma between deterrence and disarmament: Moving beyond the perception of China as a nuclear threat
The West's view of China as a threat to world peace overlooks its nuclear capabilities and strategic posturing, and its potential as an important partner for global disarmament.
Preventing a new age of nuclear insecurity? Analysis of William Hague’s July Address to the IISS
At the International Institute for Strategic Studies, William Hague discussed a nuclear weapons-free world, the NPT Review Conference and possible pitfalls.
Iran update: number 122
Summary: Possibility of the United States opening an interests section in Iran ; Latest round of P5+1-Iran talks produces few results, despite US presence ; Iran and the United States continue military exercises and aggressive posturing.