69.6: Nuclear Forces and Missile Defense
Other Information:
Nuclear Forces and Missile Defense Imperiled -- We recognize that the gravest terror threat we face – a nuclear attack made
possible by nuclear proliferation – requires a comprehensive strategy for reducing the world’s nuclear stockpiles and preventing
the spread of those armaments. But the U.S. can lead that effort only if it maintains an effective strategic arsenal at a
level sufficient to fulfill its deterrent purposes, a notable failure of the current Administration. The United States is
the only nuclear power not modernizing its nuclear stockpile. It took the current Administration just one year to renege on
the President’s commitment to modernize the neglected infrastructure of the nuclear weapons complex – a commitment made in
exchange for approval of the New START treaty. In tandem with this, the current Administration has systematically undermined
America’s missile defense, abandoning the missile defense bases in Poland and the Czech Republic, reducing the number of planned
interceptors in Alaska, and cutting the budget for missile defense. In an embarrassing open microphone discussion with former
Russian President Medvedev, the current President made clear that, if he wins a second term, he intends to exercise “more
flexibility” to appease Russia, which means further undermining our missile defense capabilities. A Republican President will
be honest and forthright with the American people about his policies and plans and not whisper promises to authoritarian leaders.
A strong and effective strategic arsenal is still necessary as a deterrent against competitors like Russia or China. But the
danger in this age of asymmetric or non-traditional warfare comes from other quarters as well. With unstable regimes in Iran
and North Korea determined to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of reaching the United States, with the possibility
that a terrorist group could gain control of a nuclear weapon, it is folly to abandon a missile shield for the country.
Indicator(s):
|
