.png)
OPEN SKIES TREATY
Rumors are circulating that the United States might pull out of the 34-party Open Skies Treaty by the end of the month. This treaty allows all member countries to conduct military observation flights — providing transparency that creates stability in unstable times. As Senior Policy Director Alexandra Bell told Vox, if the United States abandons this agreement, it will mean the collapse of all that is left of conventional arms control in Europe. We must stabilize and protect the very agreements that helped us escape the dangers of the Cold War. Here’s an infographic with quick facts about the treaty. Please like and share on Facebook or retweet on Twitter.
INDIA, PAKISTAN AND THE RISK OF NUCLEAR WAR
The conflict between India and Pakistan gets little attention in the American media, and that’s a big problem, writes Program Assistant Abby Pokraka in The National Interest. Far more attention is paid to Iran, which does not have nuclear weapons, and North Korea, which has a small stockpile. Both of those nations have the international community closely watching their every move, and neither is actively engaged in a conflict with another nuclear weapons state. India and Pakistan, on the other hand, are both nuclear weapons states, and a nuclear conflict between them could kill millions of people and put two billion people at risk for starvation. Learn more on the Center website.
U.S. NUKES IN TURKEY?
The situation between Turkish and U.S.-backed Kurdish forces is volatile, but there are other matters of concern. Turkey is one of the reported NATO hosts of U.S. forward-deployed nuclear weapons. There has long been talk about removing these weapons from the base at Incirlik Air Base, but now media outlets are reporting the U.S. officials have actually discussed the possibility. Such a move, they worry, might be politically difficult. Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has recently complained that Turkey lacked its own nuclear weapons, saying “There is no developed nation in the world that doesn’t have them.” That, of course, isn’t true. Bell told The Guardian that it is clear that the President is not “giving the proper amount of attention and concern to what is a potentially volatile situation.”
SECURING THE “GOLD STANDARD” IN SAUDI ARABIA
The Trump administration appears to be taking a strong non-proliferation stance toward nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, which is a good thing, writes Research Analyst Samuel Hickey for The Hill. Any agreement signed between the two countries that would allow Saudi Arabia to engage in civil nuclear energy programs must also prevent the kingdom from using the technology to build nuclear weapons. The Trump administration and Congress can both help ensure this happens.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MISSILES
The latest video from Nukes of Hazard explains five things you should know about ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles. Check it out!
NEW NUKES OF HAZARD PODCAST: WOMEN IN NUCLEAR SECURITY
Women have been involved with U.S. nuclear weapons policy since before there were even nuclear weapons. Yet, women are still fighting hard for their place and their voice in this community. You can listen now, or find the episode on iTunes, Google Play or Stitcher.
DO YOU SHOP ON AMAZON?
If so, please add the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation as your Amazon Smile beneficiary, and donate to us for free while you shop! It’s simple. Just follow these steps:
1. Visit smile.amazon.com
2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials
3. Go to the “Select a Charity” menu and search for Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
4. Start shopping! Amazon will donate .5% of your purchases to us, at no cost to you.
