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How to Avert a Nuclear War

IN THIS ISSUE: How to avert a nuclear war, Obama administration signals possible compromise in Iran talks, Congress adds cash to build new nuclear submarines, how many nuclear options does a president need?, Pakistan, the Saudis' indispensable nuclear partner, France Nuclear calamity has UK worried.

Published on April 21, 2015

How to Avert a Nuclear War

James E. Cartwright and Vladimir Dvorkin | New York Times

We are still living with the nuclear-strike doctrine of the Cold War, which dictated three strategic options: first strike, launch on warning and post-attack retaliation. There is no reason to believe that Russia and the United States have discarded these options, as long as the architecture of “mutually assured destruction” remains intact.

Obama Administration Signals Possible Compromise in Iran Nuclear Talks

Paul Richter | Los Angeles Times

Signaling a potential key compromise in negotiations with Iran, the White House said Monday that it might be willing to start providing sanctions relief as soon as Tehran begins putting in place new curbs on its nuclear program.

Congress Adds Cash to Special Account to Build New Nuclear Submarines

Kris Osborn | Military

Congress plans to add money into a special fund established this year for the purpose of paying for the Navy's next-generation, nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines, the Ohio Replacement Program. 

How Many Nuclear Options Does a President Need to Deter or to Attack?

Walter Pincus | Washington Post

At a time of tight defense budgets, why does the Air Force plan to spend billions of extra dollars so that a president 10 or more years from now can have two options if he or she wants to use bombers to attack an enemy with nuclear weapons?

Pakistan, the Saudis' Indispensable Nuclear Partner

Pervez Hoodboy | New York Times

For Saudi Arabia, the Pakistani Parliament’s surprising assertion of independence was especially worrisome because it came on the heels of the American-backed preliminary nuclear deal with Iran. 

France's Nuclear Calamity Has UK Worried

Ben McPartland | Local

France's world renowned prowess in the nuclear industry is being seriously undermined by its efforts to build a flagship nuclear reactor which is fast becoming a costly calamity. The future of the Flamanville 3 project appears to hang in the balance after yet another major setback that has London worried.

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.