NATO's major review of its Strategic Concept will cover all aspects of its strategic policy, including its nuclear posture, including the issue of US warheads in European non-nuclear states, which threatens the cohesion of the NPT.
Non-proliferation treaty (NPT)
Obama’s nuclear diplomacy
Barack Obama has called for a world free of nuclear weapons and has committed to reducing their number and salience during his administration. His continuing engagement with allies and Russia on nuclear arms control, and the results of posture reviews back home, could result in significant progress.
Iran update: number 132
Summary
- The IAEA releases its latest report on Iran
- US intelligence officials indicate that Tehran is far off from producing a nuclear weapon
- Iran launches its first satellite into orbit and plans to expand its launch capabilities
- Testing phase at the Bushehr reactor site begins
- President Obama addresses Iranian government, calling for improved relations while expanding sanctions
- Tehran responds with cautious optimism, but also frustration
- Iran invited to international security conference on Afghanistan
- US
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:
Iran update: number 131
Summary
- United States consults Arab representatives on Iran's nuclear program
- Condoleezza Rice asserts that U.S.-backed sanctions are having an effect
- Iran tests new missile during naval exercises in Sea of Oman
- Uncertainty over delivery of S-300 air defense system to Iran
- President-elect Barack Obama announces his diplomatic approach to Iran
- Iran's government does not expect significant policy changes from Washington
- The United States may directly back Israel with a nuclear guarantee
Iran update: number 130
Summary
- White House charges Iran with non-compliance in recent IAEA inspections
- Iran and the IAEA still at an impasse
- First Iranian nuclear plant scheduled to begin operation in early 2009
- Iran may presently have sufficient nuclear material for a single weapon
- British Foreign Secretary's 'nuclear' warning to Iran
- Washington's foreign policy on Iran
On November 19, the White House assailed
Shared destinies: Security in a globalized world
IPPR held the launch of its interim report of the Commission on National Security in the 21st Century. The theme of nuclear proliferation was mentioned several times throughout the meeting but was never properly explored. The meeting was led by the two co-Chairs of the Commission, George Robertson and Paddy Ashdown.
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.