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Global ChallengesProliferationOctober 2, 2008 | Crisis in North Korea: Opportunity for DemocracyThe possible regime crisis in N. Korea poses a threat of loose nukes, floods of refugees, and long-term economic upheaval, but is also a great chance to reunite the Peninsula under democratic rule. ++ The US-South Korean Forces may …More September 30, 2008 | "Putin of Arabia"A petro-emboldened Russia is becoming resurgent in the Middle East. ++ With US power waning, Russia is seeking to fill the vacuum. ++ And they’re being well-received, as “autocratic and wealth-loving Russians” have more in common with the …More September 24, 2008 | Stop Business as Usual for US Arms SalesThe US weapon industry is continuously growing, while more weapons are sold abroad ++ In Iraq, a host of factors, oil revenue included, has created a “loyal new customer,” namely the Maliki government. ++ Some say selling weapons to …More September 23, 2008 | Welcoming India to the Nuclear ClubIndia and the US are celebrating their new nuclear deal this week. ++ Critics fear an unraveling of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. ++ Notwithstanding, India will be one of the great world powers and there is an unfortunate, yet undeniable …More September 10, 2008 | Harmful Hype Over US-India Nuclear DealWashington and New Delhi are guilty of overselling the US-India nuclear deal. ++ The pact will not play as big of a role in bolstering US-India ties and boosting both economies as politicians want people to believe. ++ On the contrary, due to …More September 9, 2008 | Bringing Iran Into the Nuclear FoldDespite negotiations with the EU and sanctions from the US, the ultimate purpose of Iran’s nuclear facilities remains unclear. ++ A closer relationship is needed to monitor Iran’s nuclear activity. ++ This relationship should be business …More September 4, 2008 | Biden's Flawed Foreign Policy JudgementsMcCain’s vice presidential pick, Sarah Palin, is accused of lacking experience in security and foreign policy issues. ++ She is contrasted to Obama’s running mate, Joseph Biden, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. ++ …More September 3, 2008 | India is not a Rogue StateBecause India has not signed the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), some oppose the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and their plan to waive the ban on its nuclear commerce. ++ But India has committed itself to fully cooperate with the IAEA and, if it should …More August 28, 2008 | Weapons of Mass Destruction and the World OrderHerbert Maier: The unilateral approach to nonproliferation is commonly tied to President George W. Bush, but in fact it was already visible in the early 1990s. The Bush administration was more a catalyst than an initiator of this change in US strategy. …More August 22, 2008 | An Attack on Iran Would BackfireA strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, whether by the US or Israel, is a disastrous idea. ++ If Iran is attacked oil prices may rise to $200 a barrel which would be a hard hit for the global economy. ++ Iranian nuclear facilities are too widely …More August 14, 2008 | Flip-flopping on Iran Encourages DeceptionNow that the Bush administration has reneged on its hard line against negotiations, Iran does not take US ultimatums seriously. ++ Where progressives see flexibility, Iranian officials see weakness.++ As long as there are no sanctions, …More August 4, 2008 | Bombing Iran Would be a Catastrophe for All of UsHis presidency coming to an end, Bush becomes obsessed with his legacy and solving the issue of nuclear Iran is foremost in his mind. ++ If he decides to support Israel in its possible attack on Iran, the economic and political …More August 4, 2008 | Iran's Strategy is WorkingFabian Martin Lieschke: Iran’s nuclear strategy – one that allows it to buy time and improve its negotiating position – seems to be working. The US policy shift has come too late - Iran has already wrapped Germany, Russia and China around its little finger. The next US President will be faced with a tough choice. …More July 30, 2008 | Beijing Must be Tougher on TehranPhilip Gordon: China does not want to jeopardize its energy deals with Tehran which are essential for its economic development. But this is a short-sighted perspective which overlooks the risks the Iranian nuclear program represents for China itself. It is time for China to think strategically about Iran. …More July 30, 2008 | No Need to Fear IranUS government has a tendency to “squash mosquitoes with TNT,” which shows in its treatment of Iran. ++ There’s no need to fear Iran: Ahamadinejad is only a figurehead putting on a show of might to gain respect in the Muslim world; the real power is in the …More July 30, 2008 | "Responsible" Nuclear Ownership is a FictionThe permanent members of the UN security council condemn Iran, but they are just as guilty of nuclear proliferation. ++ The distinction between their supposedly “responsible” ownership of nuclear weapons and that of Iran, North Korea …More July 28, 2008 | Israel is Likely to Follow US Lead on IranIsrael faces a dilemma: If European diplomacy fails to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment program and Americans prove reluctant to launch another war in the Middle East under Bush, should Israel strike alone? ++ An attack could dangerously …More July 22, 2008 | Iran Hasn't Earned a DétenteThe Bush administration has recently shifted its approach toward Iran and is treating it with unjustified leniency: the possibility of reopening a diplomatic mission in Tehran and face-to-face meetings are gestures Iran hasn’t earned. ++ …More July 21, 2008 | US Attempts to Defrost Ties With TehranThirty years after cutting off diplomatic ties, the US is planning the establishment of a modest diplomatic representation in Tehran for which it appears to have secured Iranian approval. ++ Though this shift from previous hard-line policies …More July 16, 2008 | Let's Not Pretend We Make Progress on North KoreaDespite hopeful voices that the six-party talks are on a good way to contain Korean nuclear program, Kim Jong Il gives us no reason to believe he really intends to give up his nuclear weapons. ++ Korean concessions are merely …More July 15, 2008 | US Should Help Israel if it Strikes IranThe situation in the Middle East is past the point when sanctions and diplomatic talks can still make a difference. ++ The Islamic Republic is not going to yield, it is simply playing for time while trying to produce deliverable nuclear …More July 11, 2008 | Demonizing Iran Does Not Serve the WestThe West is more concerned about who proliferates than whether someone degradates the Non-Proliferation Treaty. ++ A manageable relationship with Iran requires understanding its world view and equally and respectfully acknowledging its …More July 10, 2008 | Strategic Miscalculation: US-Indian Nuclear DealEven though India hasn’t signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and has not permitted inspections of its nuclear plants, Bush’s administration is hastening to close a US-Indian “civilian nuclear deal.” ++ …More July 9, 2008 | Learning our Lessons From North Korea for Iran“If you want to make peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.” ++ The US must heed the lessons learned from North Korea in dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions. ++ Had Bush agreed to a dialogue …More July 9, 2008 | US-India Nuclear Pact is Back on the TableThe US-India nuclear pact, declared “almost certainly dead” last month, will probably be signed by the Indian government after all. ++ The onus of getting it implemented is therefore back on the US. ++ Congress must stop pressuring India …More July 8, 2008 | Global Nonpolarity: A New World OrderGlobalization means that international affairs no longer occur in a bipolar, unipolar, or even multipolar world, but rather “under conditions of nonpolarity.” ++ In this nonpolar world, coordination between actors is increasingly difficult, …More July 3, 2008 | The Future of Nuclear Nonproliferation TreatyJuly 1 marked the 40th anniversary of the NPT which provided an opportunity to reexamine its current and future role. ++ Nuclear nonproliferation movement is at a crossroads. ++ It is crucial that the next US president calls for deep …More July 2, 2008 | Renewing NATO's Nuclear StrategyFabian Martin Lieschke: NATO’s nuclear posture is dated and needs to be reconsidered during next year’s review. If NATO withdraws sub-strategic nuclear weapons from Europe it can pursue a leverage strategy to persuade Russia to also eliminate its tactical nuclear weapons. …More June 30, 2008 | Talking to Teheran“A US willingness to talk to Iran on the full range of issues dividing the two countries offers the best hope of rescuing a failed policy.” ++ If the US does not negotiate with Iran as proposed by Obama, they will be lacking options besides attacking Iran. ++ …More June 30, 2008 | US Should Stop Ever-Expanding Nuclear Appetites!Iran and North Korea are trying to develop nuclear capabilities and to many other countries, pursueing a military nuclear program has become an attractive option. ++ The US should stop denying any relationship between those …More June 26, 2008 | The Bipartisan Vision of a Nuke Free WorldWorking towards a nuclear free world is a necessity now that the cold war is over. ++ Both presidential candidates have announced they would commit the US to this goal. ++ The next president should lead the freeze on the production of …More June 25, 2008 | Relations With Iran Coming to a HeadBritain’s foreign secretary argues that if the new “dual-track approach” regarding Iran’s nuclear aspirations fails, it is the Iranian’s own fault. ++ Convinced that the region and the world need a cooperative, …More June 23, 2008 | Russia Profits from the Iran Nuclear StandoffRyan R. Miller: The belief Russia will help the West ease tensions with Iran is wishful thinking. A compliant Iran would be Gazprom’s biggest competitor. Washington should offer the Mullahs EU energy markets in exchange for concessions on the nuclear issue and thus reduce European dependence on Russian energy. …More June 19, 2008 | US Paints a False yet Alarming Picture of RussiaThe USA is not performing the transition to conventional weapons, which was meant to lessen the country’s dependence on nuclear weapons for defense. ++ US politicians and media are using the claim that Russia is boosting its …More June 19, 2008 | Germany Not Able to be Tough on IranFabian Martin Lieschke: President Bush’s effort to unite the EU-3 behind an American proposal for harsher measures on Iran may be undermined by German domestic politics. …More June 11, 2008 | Bush Helps Saudis Go Nuclear, Who are we Securing?Bush is moving toward helping the Saudis develop a nuclear program under the guise of energy security. ++ Considering that Saudi Arabia bathes in oil and basks in sunlight, something is missing. ++ Adding a counterweight to …More June 11, 2008 | Upholding Sanctions Against Military ActionAttacking Iran would be disastrous, many civilians would die, the nuclear program would subsist, and Israel’s involvement would create a serious backlash in the region. ++ Iran’s threats toward Israel give reason for concern but sanctions …More June 10, 2008 | Bush and Olmert Exploit the Iranian ThreatBush and Olmert’s allusions to war with Iran are the result of their foreign and domestic policy predicaments. ++ Both leaders need to create a diversion to save themselves politically, and “if either - or both - should order a military …More June 9, 2008 | Europe: Trapped Between Washington and Tehran?Europe is playing a dangerous game with Iran. ++ Supporting US-endorsed sanctions while simultaneously maintaining business ties with Iran has resulted in a “schizophrenic policy.” ++ While the US sees a nuclear Iran as absolutely …More June 2, 2008 | US and Russia are Needed for Nuclear Arms ControlCooperation between Russia and the US on issues of nonproliferation is vital for America’s national security. ++ The agreement now before the US Congress would help the US and Russia create an international fuel bank that could …More June 1, 2008 | We Can Not Afford to Delay Nuclear DisarmamentDaryl Kimball: The next US president must take action towards nuclear disarmament in three distinct areas. He or she must pursue reductions in US and Russian nuclear arsenals, work towards ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and reassess and reduce the role of nuclear weapons. …More May 29, 2008 | US Iran Policy Requires More FlexibilityIran cannot be prevented from acquiring nuclear power capabilities. ++ The US should therefore favor negotiation with the regime over the current threats and sanctions driven policy which merely provides for hostile relations. ++ Since “a …More May 27, 2008 | Iranian Threat: 5 Minutes to MidnightFailed US foreign policy pushed Iran into a hegemonic role it never could have attained under its own power and in such a short time. ++ Iran’s nuclear program threatens to tilt the regional strategic balance enduringly. ++ It is very …More May 26, 2008 | Fear Encourages the Nuclear Rush of Iran's NeighborsRecently President Bush signed an agreement to cooperate with Saudi Arabia on developing civilian nuclear energy. ++ In the case of Saudi Arabia, the agreement seems unnecessary. ++ There are alarming signs that this sudden …More May 22, 2008 | The Renaissance of Nuclear DeterrenceThomas Speckmann: By highlighting the following dilemma “the Iranian bomb or the bombing of Iran”, Sarkozy signalled the return to a strategy of nuclear deterrence. Since the West’s most dreaded scenario is the nuclearization of the Middle East, calls to prevent Iran from acquiring the atomic bomb are becoming ever more frequent. …More May 20, 2008 | Iran: Requesting Transparency Not SuspensionWhile Iran’s nuclear program frustrates the West and demonstrates “the limits of American power,” feelings of satisfaction and success unite Iranians. ++ Western incentives for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment - such as commercial …More May 15, 2008 | Weapons in Space: A New Kind of ArmamentThe US is making a bold, perhaps doltish, move by refusing to discuss a treaty aimed at preventing weapons in outer space. ++ China and Russia have warned that a countermove would be unavoidable to ensure their own security. ++ Many are …More May 14, 2008 | Nuclearization has not Benefitted IndiaIndia’s ascension as a nuclear weapon state ten years ago was a mistake. ++ Fallacious confidence in the doctrine of deterrence has had the opposite effect, encouraging reckless behavior in Kashmir and strengthening Pakistan’s military …More May 14, 2008 | US Tries to Cover Up Its Nuclear AmbitionsThe National Nuclear Security Administration announced the US had reduced its nuclear warheads stockpile. ++ Yet the US continues to upgrade its nuclear arsenal which is the world’s largest. ++ Since the US has not ratified the …More May 14, 2008 | US on the Right Track with North KoreaThe US should continue its current path in North Korean nuclear negotiations, rather than exiting or stalling talks. ++ It should prioritize verification of North Korea’s plutonium production records, and push towards dismantlement of the …More May 13, 2008 | No Resolution in Sight to Iranian Nuclear StalemateAmid escalating rhetoric about Iranian military involvement in Iraq, a new package of incentives by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany is unlikely to persuade Iran to suspend nuclear enrichment. ++ …More May 10, 2008 | Dr. Matthew Levitt, Director of The Washington Institute's Stein Program on Terrorism, Intelligence, and PolicyDr. Matthew Levitt is a senior fellow at The Washington Institute and founding director of their Terrorism Research Program (now renamed as above), established …More May 7, 2008 | US Missile Defense on European Soil Sparks DebatePlans to build a US-proposed missile-defense shield based in Czech Republic and Poland has been met with feisty opposition. ++ NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Sheffer insists that missile defense is crucial for North Atlantic …More April 28, 2008 | Slow Negotiation for Denuclearization in North KoreaHaving unwisely abandoned the 1994 Clinton deal that kept North Korea from producing plutonium, the Bush administration’s shift from past confrontational rhetoric is promising. ++ A first step is the assessment of plutonium …More April 24, 2008 | Focus on the Suppliers of ProliferationConcerning the Iranian enrichment program, international attention shouldn’t exclusively be on the receiving country. ++ Indian and European companies deliver nuclear supplies to Iran. ++ Tightening up control over European nuclear …More April 22, 2008 | Watch out for Brazil, Russia's New BuddyMarek Swierczynski: Brazil and Russia want to build fighter jets and rockets under the new agreement signed last week. The potential “superpower of the South” may be on its way out of the western camp and can speed up the creation of the world’s new order. Bad news. …More April 16, 2008 | Bush Softens on North Korea's Nuclear AspirationsBush’s April 15, 2008 | Energy Carrots for Iran: Killing Two Birds with One StoneRyan R. Miller: When major powers meet in Shanghai on April 16th to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, Washington should work with European capitals and leave the door open to greater EU-Iranian energy trade as a potential reward for Iranian good behavior. For post-communist Central Europe, disproportionately exposed to Russia’s energy monopoly, such a strategy could kill two birds with one stone. …More March 27, 2008 | Russia is an Offender in the Nuclear Arms RaceIsrael’s legitimate nuclear program is not a valuable excuse for Russia to jeopardize international security by supplying a reactor to Iran and by agreeing on nuclear cooperation with March 25, 2008 | US Needs to be Prepared for a Nuclear AttackAs nuclear weapons’ materials increase on black market, US needs to modernize forensics tools in preparation for a potential attack. ++ International collaboration and a shared March 19, 2008 | Bush Cannot Bequeath a Failed North Korea PolicyThe protracted Six Party Talks dating back from 2003 enabled Kim Jong-il to gain time and repeatedly violate commitments. ++ If the instrumental support of Russia and China is secured, Bush should dedicate the next 10 months to …More March 18, 2008 | Germany's Position on Iran is CrucialDuring Merkel’s visit, Israel needs to clarify that Germany must support tougher sanctions, break diplomatic ties, and end governmental trade subsidies with Iran. ++ Brown and Sarkozy are already supportive of more restrictive sanctions, but …More March 17, 2008 | An International Fuel Bank for Nuclear PowerMatt Dupuis: The idea of bringing the production and storage of nuclear fuel under international control is gaining support once again. The US should take the lead in creating a global fuel bank which would make it possible to test countries’ intentions while limiting their access to nuclear technology. …More March 7, 2008 | A World Free of Nuclear WeaponsThe goal of global nuclear disarmament must not be abandoned. ++ Recent positive developments at the Oslo conference suggest that all nations should continue to work together toward this goal. ++ The disarmament appeal needs to be more universal. ++ Hopefully, the calls for more diplomatic-scientific cooperation, firm commitment from leaders, and expanded education will be remembered. March 4, 2008 | Working With IranThe US’s current “insistence on zero enrichment of uranium” in Iran is unreasonable. ++ The US needs to encourage Iran to abandon its national enrichment activities in favor of a multilateral program based in Iran. ++ While there would be many risks, such a …More February 6, 2008 | Is There Still a Role for Nuclear Weapons?Tobias Bock: This essay argues that there continues to be a function for nuclear weapons after the cold war: A number of states still strive to obtain nuclear weapons because they are convinced that they facilitate deterrence against perceived threats. …More January 9, 2008 | Time to Talk With IranIn the wake of the US National Intelligence Estimate on Iran, the EU should continue with their diplomatic approach, despite US calls for more unilateral sanctions, says Volker Perthes of the SWP. Such an approach should be based on a broad international …More December 31, 2007 | Pakistan's Nuclear Arsenal and Its Islamic ExtremistsDrawing on the US Personnel Reliability Program, officials now check applicants and personnel for characteristics that might make them more likely to betray their nation’s secrets. Religious fervor is among the ones most …More December 20, 2007 | US Intelligence Estimate Could Reshape Transatlantic Iran StrategyThe results of the new National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran’s nuclear program reveal nothing distinctly different from previous findings. Nevertheless, their ensuing debate could prove critical to …More December 7, 2007 | Demolishing the Bush Administration's Myths about the US Nuclear PostureJeffrey Lewis of the New America Foundation takes a look behind the Bush administration’s boasting of having cut the size of the nation’s nuclear stockpile, while attempting to modernize the US …More November 27, 2007 | Misleading Statements On Missile Defense Imperil Transatlantic SecurityAndreas Beckmann: The general public does not understand the advantages of a US ground-based missile defense system in Europe. Western politicians should be wary of making confusing public statements that could facilitate Russian and Iranian efforts to divide the Alliance. …More November 22, 2007 | Nuclear Race in the Middle EastAs Egypt declares its intentions to pursue nuclear energy, it joins other thirteen states in the Middle East with the same aim. Iran’s nuclear plans seem to be responsible for this troubling trend, writes Dan Murphy from the Christian Science …More November 6, 2007 | Nuclear DealingsMark Brzezinski: The US has missed opportunities to make sensible progress in India and Iran. In both cases, the United States should be promoting constructive engagement rather than undercutting long-held nonproliferation doctrine. …More October 25, 2007 | Germany: An Accomplice to a Nuclear Iran?Despite tough rhetoric from Chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany continues to play a role in Iran’s nuclear program, writes Benjamin Weinthal in Haaretz. Germany’s official public stance looks shaky in the face of the $5.7 …More October 23, 2007 | Should the U.S. Attack Iran?“Given the nature of Iran’s rulers, the declarations of the Iranian President, and the trouble the regime is causing throughout the region…our country and the entire international community cannot stand by as a terror-supporting state fulfills …More October 22, 2007 | "The United States and Germany pursue the same goals"
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