Barack Obama

  • Playing Politics With Nuclear Security

    When a Republican president negotiates reductions in nuclear arsenals, it is statecraft; when a Democratic president does the same, it is treason. That, at least, is the position advanced this week by several leading Republican politicians and their political advisors.

    March 28, 2012 - By Joe Cirincione

  • Building Global Security, One Summit at a Time

    Nuclear terrorism ranks at the top of many national security experts lists of possible nightmares. It’s hard to overstate the damage that could be caused by even a small nuclear weapon in one of the world’s major population centers. But just as terrorism has become a global phenomenon, efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism has to be a global effort. Thankfully, it is.

    March 22, 2012 - By Margaret Swink

  • The President's Nuclear Options

    Last week, hopeful news of potential cuts to the U.S. nuclear arsenal floated through Washington. A classified report from the Pentagon is being prepared for President Obama’s review, which has been reported to provide three ranges for possible nuclear reductions: 1,100 to 1,000, 800 to 700, or 400 to 300.

    February 23, 2012 - By Rebecca Remy

  • When the Nuclear Budget Binge Ended

    Washington is slowly moving toward tightening budgets and being smarter with its security dollars.

    February 14, 2012 - By Ben Loehrke

  • Obama's Turn on Nuclear Weapons

    When U.S. President Barack Obama took to the podium during a rare visit to the Pentagon early last month, he announced a new strategy for the country's military posture abroad. The United States would shift from being able to fight two major wars simultaneously to increasing its focus on Asia. But the president also explained that reductions in the U.S. nuclear arsenal would be key to future defense: "We will continue to get rid of outdated Cold War-era systems," he said, "so that we can invest in the capabilities we need for the future."

    February 2, 2012 - By Joe Cirincione

  • New Strategy Recognizes Nuclear Realities

    Today, standing with his top military officials, President Obama rolled out new guidance that realigns the Pentagon toward today’s strategic realities.

    January 5, 2012 - By Ben Loehrke

  • @plough_shares meets @whitehouse

    It’s not every day that you get to ask questions of the White House and expect an instant answer. Today, however, that’s exactly the opportunity that we have.

    November 18, 2011 - By Joel Rubin

  • A Promise Kept, A New Beginning

    As a candidate, Barack Obama distinguished himself by his anti-war stance. It was a popular move in a nation that was fatigued by a multi-year conflict with no clear end in sight.

    October 21, 2011 - By Margaret Swink

  • Libyan Victory Validates Obama Doctrine

    The collapse of the Gaddafi regime firmly establishes the benefits of Obama's national security strategy over the failed war policies that preceded him -- and are still promoted by his critics.

    August 24, 2011 - By Joe Cirincione

  • Don't Sanction Iran for Sanctions' Sake

    Last week, more than 90 U.S. senators sent a letter to President Obama urging the president to put sanctions upon Iran’s central bank – essentially creating a financial blockade. While existing sanctions have contributed to constraining the Iranian regime’s nuclear program, this latest sanctions proposal could make dealing with Iran harder and war more likely. Before tempting that risk, Washington should clarify the end goal of sanctioning Iran.
     
    August 16, 2011 - By Ben Loehrke