Hans Kristensen notes the final report of the Air Force Blue Ribbon Review of Nuclear Weapons Policies and Procedures reveals what has been an open secret in Washington for some time — that overseas bases with US nuclear weapons have significant security issues: 3.4.8.1 Statement Host nation security at overseas nuclear-capable units vcaries from country …
House E&W Denies Funding for RRW, Again
by | 2008-06-18 | 8 Comments
The House Energy and Water Subcommittee has again denied funding for the RRW in the FY09 Appropriations bill: Last year, the Administration proposed the Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) as the first of a new generation of nuclear warheads. The Administration promotes the advantages of a new design offering better surety, better reliability, and lower yield, …
Le Livre Blanc Est Ici
by | 2008-06-18 | 13 Comments
Bonjour, mes amis. Somewhat delayed, the French White Paper on defence has been published this morning. Note the English version is “simplified”. The original is much longer and beyond my schoolboy French. If any ACW reader would like to read the original and highlight key differences I will award them the Order of the Wonk …
The Politics of Saber-Rattling
by | 2008-06-17 | 4 Comments
President Bush apparently convinced European leaders to support additional sanctions against Iran during his farewell tour of Europe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for example, said that “one cannot exclude another round of sanctions.” Bank Melli and other Iranian financial institutions would be the main targets. That’s good news, but the difficulties inherent in sustaining this …
