May 28, 8:55 p.m.: Nuclear nightmare

Time for a treaty to secure Russia’s nuclear weapons.

By: Hank Kalet
   There is no doubt that we need to find ways to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists.
   That’s why it is unfortunate that the Bush administration appears so unconcerned with their proliferation — aside from programs in Iran and North Korea. Pakistan, India, Israel — not a word from the administration about these nuclear programs.
   And what of Russia? Read this fine essay on TomPaine.com by Lisbeth Gronlund, senior scientist with and co-director of the Union of Concerned Scientist and a research scientist at the MIT Security Studies Program.
   The basic take is this: The most likely source of weapons material is "Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union," where "Thousands of so-called tactical nuclear weapons, which are relatively small and portable, are stored in Russian facilities with dubious security."
   With the president slated to meet with his Russian counterpart Sunday, it would appear to be a perfect time to address the issue. But given the lack of interest President Bush has shown in Russian nukes in his two-plus years in office, it seems unlikely things will be improved.