04-05-2010, 03:45 AM
Obama administration discloses size of U.S. nuclear arsenal
By Mary Beth Sheridan and Colum Lynch
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
UNITED NATIONS -- Shattering a taboo dating from the Cold War, the Obama administration revealed Monday the size of the American nuclear arsenal -- 5,113 weapons -- as it embarked on a campaign for tougher measures against countries with hidden nuclear programs.
The figure was in line with previous estimates by arms-control groups. But Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton emphasized that it was the very disclosure of the long-held secret that was important.
"We think it is in our national security interest to be as transparent as we can about the nuclear program of the United States," she told reporters at a high-level nuclear conference in New York, where she announced the change in policy. "We think that builds confidence."
Shortly after Clinton's speech, the Pentagon issued a fact sheet saying that the number of working U.S. nuclear warheads had plummeted from a peak of 31,255 in 1967. In addition to the functioning weapons, thousands more have been retired and await dismantlement, the Pentagon said. Analysts estimate that number at about 4,500.
More (and video) here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...02089.html
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Alternative version:
Obama reveals size of his package, thumbs his nose at the world and its people, and asks "Is it conventional, or nuclear? Film at 11."
His gun moll said that the mere fact that he would expose himself to the world was evidence of his humanity and forthrightness.
"In American circles, there is an old acronym", she said. "WYSIWYG. And we are confident you'll get the point."
By Mary Beth Sheridan and Colum Lynch
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
UNITED NATIONS -- Shattering a taboo dating from the Cold War, the Obama administration revealed Monday the size of the American nuclear arsenal -- 5,113 weapons -- as it embarked on a campaign for tougher measures against countries with hidden nuclear programs.
The figure was in line with previous estimates by arms-control groups. But Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton emphasized that it was the very disclosure of the long-held secret that was important.
"We think it is in our national security interest to be as transparent as we can about the nuclear program of the United States," she told reporters at a high-level nuclear conference in New York, where she announced the change in policy. "We think that builds confidence."
Shortly after Clinton's speech, the Pentagon issued a fact sheet saying that the number of working U.S. nuclear warheads had plummeted from a peak of 31,255 in 1967. In addition to the functioning weapons, thousands more have been retired and await dismantlement, the Pentagon said. Analysts estimate that number at about 4,500.
More (and video) here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...02089.html
###
Alternative version:
Obama reveals size of his package, thumbs his nose at the world and its people, and asks "Is it conventional, or nuclear? Film at 11."
His gun moll said that the mere fact that he would expose himself to the world was evidence of his humanity and forthrightness.
"In American circles, there is an old acronym", she said. "WYSIWYG. And we are confident you'll get the point."
"Where is the intersection between the world's deep hunger and your deep gladness?"
