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Originally Posted by octothorp
I'd argue that the US has one of the worst track records when it comes to nuclear weapons:
they've developed a arsenal far greater than what would ever conceivably be used,
they haven't had any reductions in active warheads since the demise of the USSR in 1990
they circumvented the non-proliferation treaty by 'storing' nuclear weapons in non-nuclear allies and helping those allies develop bombers capable of delivering nuclear weapons
they're working on nuclear weapons that they plan on using as a first-strike weapon (nuclear bunker-busters and such)
A big part of being responsible with nuclear weapons is ensuring that you don't induce other countries to develop the weaponry. As the foremost nuclear power in the world, they are responsible for setting a tone of disarmament and convincing other countries that they have no need to develop nuclear weapons. Instead, by trying to bully other countries into not developing nuclear weapons while pursuing further weapons development for themselves and proliferation among their allies, they've created a climate of fear that is inducing other powers (North Korea, Iran) to feel that they need to develop a nuclear weapons program simply as a deterrent.
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The US has had a continued reduction in nuclear arms over the last 25 years, so your wrong there. Although, I don't think they need 10,000 nuclear weapons, it could probably be reduced to a several hundred.
Most of these countries have signed the non-proliferation agreement so it's not just the US telling them not to develope these weapons it's the entire world and the UN so that arguement does not fly.
It's one thing for a country like Canada wanting to develope nuclear weapons (which they won't and shouldn't) it's another thing for a country like Iran wanting to develope them, a country who wants to wipe out another country, a country that is run by extremism. Two big differences.
Pakistan having nuclear weapons makes me very nervous aswell. I feel much safer having India have them than Pakistan. India is a democratic country with checks and balances. Pakistan is run by a military leader that over threw the government. Which is probably better than having the previous government in. My point is, I don't think Pakistan is that far away from another coup by the extremist side. Can you imagine where some of those nuclear weapons will end up if they take control of the government?