A strategy for achieving Senate approval of the CTBT

The CTBT received a strong endorsement from President Obama during his speech in Prague, but obstacles remain in the Senate.  In the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, John Isaacs of the Ploughshares-funded Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation compared the process to “forging a raging river at the finish line of a 10-mile hike.” Vice-President Biden, who advocated for the treaty in 1999, will again be in a pivotal position to win approval of a controversial treaty.  Isaacs warns the CTBT will require “a painstakingly and carefully negotiated deal.”