Too Many Nuclear Weapons In The World

The BBC News website had an article on countries that currently possess nuclear weapons, and it included this graphic. The figures are based on best estimates of the Federation of American Scientists (using publicly available information, including information from the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). They believe the only countries that have operational nuclear weapons (weapons ready to be used on very short notice) are Russia, the United States, Great Britain, and France.

That's nine countries who currently possess nuclear weapons and, at least theoretically, have the ability to use them. It was bad enough when these weapons were just possessed by the United States and Russia (the Soviet Union). Those countries came close to using them on at least two occasions -- once in the 1960s (Kennedy administration) and again in the 1980s (Reagan administration). Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed both times.

But the more countries that possess these terrible weapons, the more likely they will someday be used. A lot of talk has been heard lately about preventing Iran from joining this nuclear club (although there's no real evidence that they are planning, or are capable of, doing so). But that stops far short of what is needed.

What is needed is for all of these countries to eliminate their nuclear arsenals -- including the United States (remember, we're the only country that has actually used nuclear weapons). Detente is not enough. What's needed is disarmament.

There is a recent story in the newspapers saying President Obama told Russia's Medvedev that he needed some "space" and would be able to do more regarding missile defense after the 2012 election. Here is what was said:

Mr Obama told his Russian counterpart: "On all these issues, but particularly missile defence, this, this can be solved but it's important for him to give me space."

Mr Medvedev responded: "Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you."

Mr Obama then said: "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility."

Mr Medvedev replied: "I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir."

Personally, I hope that is true. I hope President Obama is re-elected, and does take some bolder action that results in another reduction in nuclear arms between the two countries. I know the right-wing will go nuts over this story, and claim that the president is planning to put the country in danger if elected. Fear is the only policy they have to peddle.

The truth is that the less nuclear weapons in the world, the better off all of mankind will be. And if sharing missile defense capability with other countries (including Russia) will help them to reduce (or hopefully eliminate) their nuclear stockpiles, then I'm for it.