Since the United States developed and detonated the first aomic bombs in 1945, there has been no turning back. At present nine nations possess the atomic bomb and at least
40 countries have the technical know-how. Of even more concern is that a nuclear explosion could happen at any time through an unintentional detonation by accident, by terrorism or use by rogue states. There are three ways to acquire a nuclear weapon: You can steal a bomb, you can buy a bomb, and you can build a bomb. Many nations, particularly Iran and North Korea, have the possibility to enrich plutonium. The necessary materials are available that have been left lying around unguarded in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The good news is that nuclear arsenals have been cut in half. The bad news is that there are still 27,000 nuclear weapons in the world. The only way to eliminate the threat of nuclear terrorism is to eliminate all nuclear weapons in all countries. President Obama held a world summit in April in Washington and stated that any reduction in nuclear arsenals must begin with the United States. A legally binding agreement for all nations is in the works and expected to be ready for signing by the end of the year. Most experts believe that public opinion is the greatest force in ridding the world of nuclear arms. For this to happen, people must become knowledgeable on the issue. Two recent documentaries can help: "Countdown to Zero " and "Turmoil & Triumph: The George Shultz Years. Understanding from whence the current state of nuclear affairs arose is vital to understanding the political and practical ways we can all be part of the solution. Catholic Social Teachings call us to take the necessary steps to protect and preserve the sanctity of all life.
40 countries have the technical know-how. Of even more concern is that a nuclear explosion could happen at any time through an unintentional detonation by accident, by terrorism or use by rogue states. There are three ways to acquire a nuclear weapon: You can steal a bomb, you can buy a bomb, and you can build a bomb. Many nations, particularly Iran and North Korea, have the possibility to enrich plutonium. The necessary materials are available that have been left lying around unguarded in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The good news is that nuclear arsenals have been cut in half. The bad news is that there are still 27,000 nuclear weapons in the world. The only way to eliminate the threat of nuclear terrorism is to eliminate all nuclear weapons in all countries. President Obama held a world summit in April in Washington and stated that any reduction in nuclear arsenals must begin with the United States. A legally binding agreement for all nations is in the works and expected to be ready for signing by the end of the year. Most experts believe that public opinion is the greatest force in ridding the world of nuclear arms. For this to happen, people must become knowledgeable on the issue. Two recent documentaries can help: "Countdown to Zero " and "Turmoil & Triumph: The George Shultz Years. Understanding from whence the current state of nuclear affairs arose is vital to understanding the political and practical ways we can all be part of the solution. Catholic Social Teachings call us to take the necessary steps to protect and preserve the sanctity of all life. 
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