Nuclear Weapons
Beyond Nuclear advocates for the elimination of all nuclear weapons and argues that removing them can only make us safer, not more vulnerable. The expansion of commercial nuclear power across the globe only increases the chance that more nuclear weapons will be built and is counterproductive to disarmament. We also cover nuclear weapons issues on our international site, Beyond Nuclear International.
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September 3, 2017North Korea's Nuclear Test (alert from the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation)
ALERT & APPEAL FROM THE CENTER FOR ARMS CONTROL AND NON-PROLIFERATION:
This morning, most of the world woke up to harrowing news: North Korea tested its sixth nuclear device. Based on all available data, this nuclear test is North Korea’s biggest yet – by far. It shows, yet again, that the status quo of only sanctions, tough talk, and international condemnation have not – and will not – slow or stop North Korea’s nuclear pursuit.
Unfortunately, President Trump has only made the situation worse. This morning, he lashed out at South Korea on Twitter for being open to diplomatic solutions with North Korea. But as history with North Korea makes clear, diplomacy is the best viable option.
President Trump’s reckless military threats against North Korea have raised the stakes of dangerous miscalculation. As all Pentagon planners know, any military engagement with North Korea would be disastrous.
Even during the darkest times of the Cold War, the United States openly talked with its nuclear adversaries. The Trump Administration, working with allies and partners, should immediately press for diplomatic talks with North Korea without preconditions as a first step to de-escalate rising tensions.
Thank you for being with us.
Sincerely,
John Tierney
Executive Director
Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
Member of Congress (former) 01/03/1997-01/03/2015
The Center for Arms Control & Non-Proliferation (CACNP) is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code for 1984, as amended.
Japanese survivor of Nagasaki atomic attack bared his scars to plead against nuclear war
Matt Schudel has written an obituary in the Washington Post for 88-year old Sumiteru Taniguchi, a survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing who devoted his life to nuclear weapons abolition and peace.
See Taniguchi's address, "Humans Cannot Co-Exist with Nuclear Weapons," delivered during the United Nations' 2010 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference in New York City.
During the same public event, Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!, and Kurt Vonnegut, were also featured speakers.
Beyond Nuclear's Kevin Kamps was in attendance, having conducted an anti-nuclear power workshop at the NGO shadow event at Riverside Church.
North Korea Tensions Rise as Trump Tweets "Talking is Not the Answer!"
As reported by Democracy Now!'s morning news headlines:
Defence Secretary James Mattis said Wednesday the U.S. is "never out of diplomatic solutions" in dealing with North Korea—contradicting Donald Trump just minutes after the president tweeted, "The U.S. has been talking to North Korea, and paying them extortion money, for 25 years. Talking is not the answer!" On Thursday, the U.S. flew two nuclear-capable B-1 bombers near the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea, accompanied by South Korean fighter jets. Meanwhile, North Korean state media warned that its test of a new missile fired over Japan this week was a prelude to more military operations directed at the U.S. territory of Guam.
And see DN!'s comprehensive coverage of the North Korea-U.S. conflict, here.