AnalPhilosopher

To the Editor:

The nuclear crisis in Iran is just the current example of a global nonproliferation regime held together with chicken wire and hope. As the regime crumbles, we can expect other countries to move up the crisis list, each bringing fresh opportunities for pre-emptive military action.

We can't bomb our way out of proliferation. But in a world where nuclear weapons are the badge of real nations, no self-respecting superpower is going to disarm unilaterally and every nonnuclear state will want a seat at the table.

The only way to escape this deadly cycle is for the nuclear powers to step up and lead negotiations for an international agreement for the total abolition of nuclear weapons.

For years, Iran has signaled its willingness to back off nuclear weapons if everyone else does. Why not accept this offer?

Chris Cooper
New York, Jan. 27, 2005
The writer is a spokesman for AbolitionNow.org, a nuclear disarmament coalition.