Putting the Bygone Nuclear Era Behind Us

Monday, December 3, 2012, in his first national security speech since winning reelection, President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to “a world without nuclear weapons.” At an event honoring the 20^th anniversary of the Nunn-Lugar program at the National War College in Washington, D.C., the President was thankful for the bi-partisan work and leadership for measures  to reduce nuclear dangers - Nuclear Security Summits, New START Treaty and strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He was adamant about the work remaining to reach the ultimate goal of “a future where these weapons never threaten our children again.” He admitted that the work might be slow, but “missile by missile, warhead by warhead, shell by shell, we’re putting a bygone era behind us.”

Nuclear disarmament has been a key issue for President Obama since his time in the Senate and this affirmation is important to remind the country, Congress, and his own administration, that this problem is ongoing and is vital to national and global security.

Read the full speech here.