According to the Obama administration's new policy, if a country is a nuclear proliferator, the United States will seek to deter the offender's actions with the threat of nuclear weapons. If it is not, the president promises never to use nuclear weapons — even if the United States is attacked with biological or chemical weapons. Confusingly, the president reserves the right to change his mind.
Our nuclear deterrent serves an important role in protecting the United States from would-be aggressors. Telling our adversaries that we are unwilling to use the full extent of our assets to protect our nation is either disingenuous or dangerous. Also, the U.S. extends this protection to over 30 allies and friends who have agreed not to acquire nuclear weapons in exchange for U.S. nuclear guarantees. This policy affects them as well.
When it comes to defending the United States against a devastating attack, our message should be clear and simple: If our nation is attacked, we will use all means necessary to defend ourselves. Period. This is the essence of nuclear deterrence: The message should be that the cost of attacking the United States will be greater than the benefit.
Though the new START treaty has yet to be ratified by the Senate, the Nuclear Posture Review suggests even deeper reductions will follow, beyond the new 30% START cut. But the rationale for more cuts is unclear and, as the administration acknowledges, the threat to the United States has not been reduced.
I doubt that the treat will receive ratification in the Senate. It requires a two-thirds majority and that's a tall order to fill. But we'll have to see.
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