US Plans to Review Options on Nuclear Policy

The President of the US Barack Obama during his final six months in the office is planning to develop new initiatives to advance the nuclear agenda, including the extension of the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. Among other suggestions are a "no first use” policy for the US nuclear arsenal and draft of the UN Security Council resolution affirming a ban on the testing of nuclear weapons.

Obama announced his plans to review the options on the US nuclear policy, which may include removal of deployed nuclear weapons, restrictions on the modernisation of the US "nuclear triad” and delay in development of a new nuclear cruise missile. The Obama’s administration is also considering the extension of the Treaty between the US and Russia on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms also known as the New Start Treaty, even though it expires only in 2021.

According to the Washington Post, the decision on the extension of the New Start Treaty, which entered into force in 2011, and is considered as a part of the Obama’s foreign policy achievements can be taken soon since it does not require formal congressional approval.

Opponents of the Obama’s initiatives argue that changes in the US nuclear policy will have negative influence on its allies in Europe and Asia, considering the present geopolitical situation. However advocates of the new plans examine the proposed initiatives as the Obama’s last chance to keep his promises given during the first tenure, which also include the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, albeit with no specific deadline attached.