A new strategy document calls for NATO to hold first use of nuclear weapons “in the quiver of escalation as the ultimate instrument to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction.” This proposal from would-be NATO nuclear hawks contrasts sharply with the Nunn-Kissinger-Schultz-Perry approach for working “toward a nuclear-free world.”
We are surprised that as former military personnel, authors of the NATO report would make such a wrong-headed proposal, demonstrating basic contempt for international law together with a misunderstanding of the role of nuclear weapons in military and international affairs.
Planning for first use of nuclear weapons is precisely the way to alienate Russia and reinvigorate old Cold War type tensions, which could very well undermine NATO’s effectiveness in the long run. Finally, open nuclear threats are likely to be seen in the Muslim world as sheer Western madness and provocation, especially in light of the fact that diplomacy seems to be working in North Korea and Iran does not have a nuclear weapons program.
2 Comments | 
34. February 1st, 2008 John wrote:
It’s very interesting that N.A.T.O. would make such a bold move considering the increasing tensions between Moscow and Washington over many key issues like the Iraq war. I wonder if there is an alternative motive involved and if Washington pushed this policy to the forefront of the N.A.T.O. agenda or another member nation was responsible for pushing this policy threw N.A.T.O.
38. February 6th, 2008 Ray wrote:
The tension between Russia and the United States has been heating up, in recent years, and this sort of mentality will only make things worse. With news coming this past weekend that Russia is supplying Iran with a substantial amount of nuclear material, the paranoia might reach Cold War levels. The worst part may be the fact that Russia and the United States have made Iran the focal point of their distrust for one another.