New York Times calls for test ban ratification

 "North Korea’s announcement that it had tested a nuclear device on Monday is a stark reminder of the many dangers out there," the New York Times said in an editorial today calling on the U.S. Senate to ratifiy the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.  "A formal ban on testing would make it harder for nuclear-armed states to build new weapons, and place another hurdle in the way of any country — Iran comes immediately to mind — thinking of starting an arsenal." Yet even though concerns about the treaty's ability to detect cheating have been put to rest by advances in technology, "Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden will have to invest considerable effort and political capital to win ratification...Another Senate defeat would probably doom the treaty forever."

(photo: seismic monitoring station/CTBTO)