|
In his most extensive remarks on nuclear weapons since he became Pentagon chief nearly two years ago, Gates spelled out in detail his views on why nuclear weapons play a vital role in the broader U.S. defense strategy. And he called for urgent action to reverse a decline in focus on nuclear issues. "Currently the United States is the only declared nuclear power that is neither modernizing its nuclear arsenal nor has the capability to produce a new nuclear warhead," he said. "To be blunt, there is absolutely no way we can maintain a credible deterrent and reduce the number of weapons in our stockpile without resorting to testing our stockpile or pursuing a modernization program." The Gates remarks come amid a growing debate in national security circles over whether and how the United States should take the lead in pushing for the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons. Gates made clear he believes that such a goal, while reasonable, cannot be realized for many years. "We must take steps to transform from an aging Cold War nuclear weapons complex that is too large and expensive to a smaller, less costly but modern enterprise that can meet our nation's nuclear security needs for the future," Gates said. He urged Congress to drop its opposition to a long-stymied administration proposal to develop a design for a more secure nuclear warhead, saying it could be done without actual underground nuclear testing. "The program would reinvigorate and rebuild our infrastructure and expertise," Gates said.
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor