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Transatlantic Security

UK Parliamentary Visit to Washington, DC to discuss prospects for multilateral nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation

This report summarizes the key issues and highlights around a visit by high level British Parliamentarians to Washington, DC. They met with Senators and senior Administration officials to discuss the prospects for nuclear disarmament and stronger non-proliferation. A brief summary and full report (PDF) are available below.

U.S. Nuclear Posture Review and Extended Deterrence

Joint New America Foundation – BASIC meeting in Washington, DC.

This private roundtable discussion was held at the New America Foundation\’s office and involved about 25 participants, including representatives from NATO-member embassies.

Jan Lodal (recent President of the Atlantic Council of the United States and a former senior Defense Department and White House official) and Arnold Kanter (former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs) started off the meeting with brief presentations.

The non-proliferation priorities of the Obama administration

Carrying out President Obama's pledge to secure loose nuclear materials and strengthen the nonproliferation regime, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) plans to increase nonproliferation funding to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) over the next several years and has set out plans to cancel funding for the Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) program.

A new American president and nuclear weapons

As one of the longest and most closely followed US campaigns has drawn to a close, the implications of this election for getting to zero are unknown. The next president faces the monumental challenge of coping with two wars and a worldwide economic crisis. These issues may detract from the time and energy that the next Administration can spend on nuclear security.

Improving nuclear security in 2009 and beyond: Transatlantic options for the new Administration.

Experts shared their views on what the next U.S. administration should do to manage the urgent threat from nuclear weapons and how it could take advantage of transatlantic relationships. The event was co-sponsored by BASIC and Women in International Security, at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC.

 Please see the attached document (PDF) for a summary.

Abdul and Scooter and Dick

One more entry from Valerie Plame's book seems noteworthy. It appears that Dick Cheney was interested in Dr Khan, as well as Saddam Hussein. Jeez, Dick Cheney; as if Dr Khan didn't have enough problems. Read this excerpt from the very interesting afterword, written by Laura Rozen, the enormously capable reporter and blogger:

“BASIC’s depth of knowledge and administrative competence makes it an excellent partner in the field of military nuclear capability and arms control”

Sir Jeremy Greenstock, GCMG British diplomat

“At a time when transatlantic relationships are under tension, BASIC's role as a source of authoritative analysis is more important than ever.”

Baron Rees of Ludlow Astronomer Royal

“BASIC makes a vital contribution to sustaining recognition that nearly 35 years after the end of the Cold War nuclear weapons continue to put at risk the future of humankind. BASIC is especially to be commended for doing this by fostering dialogue and understanding.”

Peter Jenkins CMG UK Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency 2001-06

``For about 35 years, in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, BASIC have championed the cause of mutuality of security. Their ability to engage diversity of views and opinion has attracted deserved admiration.``

Baron Browne of Ladyton Vice Chairman, Nuclear Threat Initiative and former UK Secretary of State for Defence

``For more than three decades, BASIC has challenged conventional thinking on national security matters, and inspired new ways of addressing and solving old problems. I expect it to continue to play this vital role for decades to come.``

Andreas Persbo Director, Open Nuclear Network
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