Nuclear Treaty Signed but How Safe are We?

Today, President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the new START treaty, which reduces both the United States and Russian nuclear arsenals. Of course, both celebrated the treaty as a landmark piece. However, many, myself included, wondered what the treaty would do to stop terrorist groups or rogue nations, like Iran and North Korea, who don't recognize such treaties. President Obama stated "Those nations that refuse to meet their obligations will be isolated, and denied the opportunity that comes with international integration." I don't know about you but that doesn't make me feel safe. "Deny the opportunity for international integration"? Why should we even allow such groups or nations that chance to integrate into the international community? In my opinion, you shut these terrorist groups and rogue nations down before they can even get their hands on nuclear weapons AND you build up your nuclear arsenal in case, God forbid, one of them does get their hands on one. He also stated that those nations that do agree to the treaty will "not be threatened by American arsenals." Iran continues to take steps towards its nuclear program while the United States and four other countries (Great Britain, France, Russia, and China) consider stronger sanctions against Iran. Despite the celebration, former Ambassador Richard Burt stated that the treaty takes "very small steps towards further reductions". The treaty will reduce the nuclear warhead limit to 1,550 per country over seven years, a third less than what is currently permitted (2,200). The US plans to announce the start of the disarmament in May at the UN.

However, there is another problem with Mr. Obama's new treaty. Hours before the treaty was signed, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in Moscow that the Kremlin reserves the right to back out of the treaty anytime he feel the US missile defense system is a threat. The Russians have numerously said already they believe our missile defense system does serve as a threat. As New York University professor Stephen Cohen stated "it is a politically unstable treaty". Also, the Russians have a historical record of violating nuclear arm control agreements and have already stated building up their arsenals, unlike the US. President Obama's nuclear weapon agenda is ridiculous. By having a smaller, less reliable, less creditable nuclear arsenal, nations around the world will have more incentive to increase their own nuclear arsenals. The Wall Street Journal stated today that the reason more countries haven't gone nuclear is because the US has been a nuclear power, not a treaty. Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Canada could all build bombs in a week. Instead, they have relied on the US as a nuclear power to deter aggressors.

Common Sense- I believe this treaty does nothing to stop the nuclear arms race that still goes on to this day. The treaty does nothing to prevent terrorist groups or rogue nations from acquiring nuclear weapons. If anything, it increases their will to get them. With a less powerful nuclear country, such as the US, around, these groups and countries will feel less threatened. Along with that, other countries, like Canada or Japan, will increase their nuclear arsenals to protect themselves since the US may not be able to. The treaty also allows Russia to back out of the treaty if they feel threatened by the US and possibly reignite the Cold War.

-SGS

"Common sense is as rare as genius- it is the basis of genius."- Ralph Waldo Emerson.


"After Treaty, US Confronts Threat of Terrorists Acquiring Nuclear Materials"- http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/08/treaty-confronts-threat-terrorists-acquiring-nuke-materials/

"Obama's False START"- http://blog.heritage.org/2010/04/08/morning-bell-obamas-false-start/