Obama Advances Prague Agenda with Momentous Week at U.N.
President Obama brought his nuclear policy to the United Nations this week and took the main stage in international politics. In a rapid succession of deft foreign policy moves, Obama rallied international support, reinvigorated U.S. commitment to multilateral disarmament efforts, strengthened international safeguards against nuclear proliferation, and turned this positive momentum into pressure on Iran and its nuclear program. This has been the most important and successful week for President Obama’s nuclear agenda since he detailed it in his Prague speech. Joe Cirincione called Obama’s strategy a “sophisticated, comprehensive approach.”
Following the President as he unfolded this agenda has taken much attention, and analysis of the events is only beginning to gain perspective. Here is recap of the week:
President’s Speech to the United Nations
On Wednesday, President Obama gave a speech before the United Nations General Assembly. The speech signaled that the United States has sought “in word and deed – a new era of engagement with the world.” The President outlined four crucial “pillars” of our future collective security, beginning with a call to “stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and seek the goal of a world without them.”
In his speech, President Obama reinforced the importance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The speech called for stronger adherence to NPT commitments by all signatories – supported by the IAEA’s critical inspections mission – and advocated tougher consequences for states like Iran and North Korea that do not meet their NPT obligations. To fortify the United States’ adherence to its NPT obligations, President Obama reiterated his commitments to negotiating reductions with Russia and ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Speaking to his domestic audiences, Obama stated that the upcoming Nuclear Posture Review will “open the door” to deeper cuts in and reduced roles for nuclear weapons.
Obama Chairs U.N. Security Council
On Thursday, President Obama chaired a rare summit-level meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The meeting focused on renewed effort to support multilateral non-proliferation efforts. The U.S. drafted a resolution that fortifies the non-proliferation regime through enhanced safeguards, stronger enforcement, and eventual negotiation of a fissile material cutoff treaty. The resolution passed unanimously. Obama is the first U.S. president in history to chair a summit-level meeting of the council.
Clinton to Test Ban Treaty Conference
On Thursday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton represented the United States at the CTBT conference on entry into force. Secretary Clinton was the highest-ranking official to ever represent the U.S. at the conference. In her remarks, Clinton emphasized the CTBT as an “integral part” the U.S. non-proliferation and arms control agenda. She stated that the Obama administration will pursue senate ratification in the coming months as a part of the United States’ shared responsibility to confront the challenge of non-proliferation.
Obama Outs Secret Iran Facility
On Friday, President Obama revealed information that Iran had been building a secret nuclear enrichment facility for several years. Obama accused Iran of not meeting its NPT safeguards obligations, and warned, “Iran is breaking rules that all nations must follow.” Calling for action, Obama said, “To put it simply: Iran must comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions and make clear it is willing to meet its responsibilities as a member of the community of nations.”
President Obama made the announcement at the G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh, speaking alongside French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Obama presented his evidence of Iran’s program to the IAEA twenty-four hours after the Security Council unanimously passed a U.S. resolution strengthening verification and enforcement measures that could bring punitive actions against Iran.
This has been a momentous week for Obama's nuclear policy. The outcomes will be determined in the weeks and months to come. Keep up to date with the latest developments by reading our daily news summary - Morning Joe - and by following Joe Cirincione on Twitter.
