The United Kingdom and Nuclear Weapons: The Necessity for a Strategic View
John Gower | Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
On September 30, Jeremy Corbyn, the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom’s Labour Party, in a clear break from all of his predecessors, stated categorically that in his opinion it was “immoral to have or use nuclear weapons.” The usual UK internal debate on nuclear weapons has also been sharpened by the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence and the electoral success of the staunchly antinuclear Scottish National Party (SNP). Corbyn—the leader of a national party and a would-be prime minister—ensured that this debate will only grow in intensity and emotion, but such emotion risks blinding those involved to the strategic realities and possible opportunities.
Iran to Meet Rouhani Timetable on Ending Sanctions: Nuclear Chief
Aaron Sheldrick | Reuters
Iran will fulfill its commitments under the July nuclear agreement with major powers in time to have sanctions, that have crippled its economy, lifted by the end of the year, its atomic energy chief said on Thursday.
Russia Test-Fires Series of Nuclear Missiles During Strategic Drills
Bill Gertz | Washington Free Beacon
Russian nuclear forces conducted a large-scale exercise last week that included test firings of several long-range missiles along with dual-capable shorter range ballistic and cruise missiles, according to U.S. officials.
Nuclear Power Plants Warn of Closure Crisis
Timothy Cama | Hill
The nuclear power industry is sounding the alarm over the latest in a series of plant closures, warning that an energy source central to meeting President Obama’s climate change goals is deteriorating.
Nuclear Operator Seeks Restart Despite Active Fault Under Plant
Japan Times
The operator of a nuclear plant in Fukui Prefecture on Thursday filed a formal request for nuclear regulators to conduct safety screening — a precursor to restarting it — despite expert opinion that it sits atop an active geological fault line.
Pentagon Suspends Troubled Missile Defense System at Center of ‘Runaway Blimp’
David Willman | Los Angeles Times
The Pentagon has suspended indefinitely a trial run of the troubled missile defense system called JLENS, whose giant, radar-carrying blimps were intended to help safeguard the skies over Washington.