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Nuclear deterrence not dependable
WASHINGTON, May 30 (UPI) -- Pakistan depends heavily on a nuclear deterrence to avoid a showdown with its larger neighbor India, but observers warned Thursday that any major escalation in Kashmir could lead to a nuclear war with devastating consequences for both sides. "A nuclear strike by either country could ... turn out to be a pyrrhic victory since, due to the close proximity of several cities ... to the border, the resulting fallout could easily be blown back over the attacking country," said Duncan Lennox, editor of Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems. Pervez Hoodbhoy, one of the leaders of the anti-nuclear lobby in Pakistan, believes that the absence of free debate in India and Pakistan on the nuclear issue further increases the possibility of a nuclear conflict. "With free debate on sensitive issues largely proscribed in both countries ... the only voices to be heard are those of militarists and establishment strategic analysts. Not surprisingly, nuclear affairs are now being guided by wishful, delusional, thinking," he warned.

posted by West 4:44 PM

 

Historic arms agreement
MOSCOW, May 24 (UPI) -- In this former capital of the Soviet Empire, President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin are to sign the most sweeping nuclear arms reduction in history Friday, erasing what Bush called "the last vestiges of the Cold War" and ushering in a new era in the relations of the two countries. "A new Russian-American partnership is being formed," Bush told members of the German parliament before leaving Berlin Thursday. "America and Europe must throw off old suspicions and realize our common interests with Russia." The three-page arms agreement is to be signed during meetings with Putin at the Kremlin. It calls for a two-thirds reduction of the strategic nuclear warheads of the two nations, from 6,000 each to some 1,700 to 2,200 over the next decade. Though the United States sought to have the weapons placed in reserve rather than dismantled, Bush has maintained that significant safety for the world comes by removing them from the launchers.

posted by West 6:37 PM

 

Faith: Springtime for theology?
PHILADELPHIA, May 22 (UPI) -- Jonathan Sacks, chief rabbi of the British Commonwealth, has proposed a new paradigm to forestall a global clash of civilizations. His paradigm addressing the unexpected return of religion "as an exceptionally powerful and indeed shaping force" is based on a very ancient text -- the Genesis narrative of the Bible. As Sacks explained it Tuesday in a lecture sponsored by the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia, his model reverses the previous order of priorities by first stressing "that every human being is in the image of God" (cf., Genesis 1:26). This, he said, places the Bible in contrast to the ancient world where just the rulers were made in the likeness of God. Next, said Sacks, comes the Biblical affirmation in Genesis 9 of the "non-negotiable dignity of human life" that is manifest in the Covenant, which shows the Creator as the God of all humanity.

posted by West 10:21 AM

 

Bush say of Putin, "I said I looked into his eyes and was able to glimpse into his soul..."
washingtontimes.com -- Is President Bush soul searching? Although this story is certainly open to interpretation, at least the language is hopeful. He recently told reporters that he looked into Putin's eyes and "was able to glimps into his soul" and that "it is important that Russia be viewed as a friend, not an enemy." However, it is hopeful language that follows the US withdrawal from a long standing nuclear treaty.

posted by West 9:30 AM

 

Poll Points Toward Peace
(Jim Lobe, Alternet.org, May 13, 2002)
An in-depth poll conducted by the University of Maryland's Program on International Policy Initiatives (PIPA) found that a majority of Americans do not agree with the views advocated by pro-Israeli hawks in the White House and Congress. They do not favor supporting Israel in its war against Palestinians; nor do they view Israel's recent invasion of Palestinian territories as part of the broader war on terrorism. . . . The PIPA survey's detailed findings suggest that official Washington's strong support for Sharon is not shared by the general public. . . . The disconnect between official Washington and public opinion -- aside from the fabled strength of the pro-Israel lobby - may have something to do with just how much these views will count come election time. For most people, U.S. policy in the Middle East will not affect their votes, or even spur them to contact their elected representative or senator. . . . The poll results are reinforced by the revival of the Israeli peace movement, which held a massive rally -- with anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 protestors -- to demonstrate in support of the Saudi peace plan in Tel Aviv (which includes dismantling the settlements) over the weekend.

posted by Lorenzo 9:32 PM

 

War on terror: Dalai Lama warns [21may02]
news.com.au -- THE Dalai Lama has questioned whether the war on terrorism was the best response to the September 11 attacks by Osama bin Laden. Less than a week after the terrorist jetliner bombings, Tibet's spiritual and political leader suggested diplomats meet those responsible to discuss the frustrations that led to the attacks.

posted by West 8:53 AM

 

US agrees to limits to missile defense
Yahoo! News -- Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said the United States will pledge to limit the development of its missile defense program in a declaration on Russian-US strategic relations to be signed this week. "The declaration will clearly state that the US missile defense system will be limited," Ivanov told a session of the State Duma lower house of parliament on Tuesday.

posted by West 8:51 AM

 

Tens of thousands in pro-peace rally in Israel
TEL AVIV, Israel, May 11 (UPI) - Tens of thousands of Israelis Saturday demonstrated against the continued occupation of Palestinian areas, and threats to penetrate the Gaza Strip. The chief organizer of the rally called it the biggest peace demonstration in Israel since the outbreak of the Palestinian intifada in September 2000.

posted by West 11:03 AM

 

This blog is dedicated to the pursuit of peace on our planet. Keep in mind that, over time, a long series of small victories can often add up to significant advances.

posted by Lorenzo 10:46 AM