02 December 2011

Editorial: How many nuclear-armed countries does Obama want in Asia?

Dan Blumenthal

Of course President Obama does not want any more nuclear powers in Asia. But his policies are hastening that reality. Why? First, "global zero" and deep cuts in conventional forces are both tempting Beijing to up its nuclear arsenal and giving allies pause about our "extended deterrent." Second, Obama has continued the Bush and Clinton policies that have allowed North Korea to become a nuclear power.

Let's turn to "New Start" and global zero. Without regard to China's modernizing strategic arsenal, Obama signed an agreement with Russia to reduce the number of deployed U.S. nuclear warheads from 2,200 to between 1,500 and 1,675. Both countries are also reducing their strategic delivery systems.

Read the full story at AEI