Nuclear Weaponry

[hubblebubble]

What are your views on the development and use of nuclear weaponry?

[jollygreen]

Despite the threats, I don't believe Iran will ever use a nuclear weapon against Israel because of the unconfirmed rumour that israel have the capability too.

It's the deterrent that's the most useful aspect of being a nuclear-power.

The use of these things is incredibly frightening but I'm glad that the UK have them because I live here!

[jake-the-peg]

In terms of the development, this came out of WWII. Both the Nazis and the allies were attempting to develop nuclear weapons and they would clearly have been decisive had one side developed them earlier.

There is some controversy over whether the American use of them in Japan was justified but general opinion seems to feel that it was, certainly the first one.

During the cold war you had 2 massive powers armed to the teeth with them and a couple of near misses.

Nowadays it's hard to see how strategic (i.e. long range) nuclear weapons are of use when you are not fighting a traditional country to country type war.

America's nuclear weapons did not defend them in 9/11 any more than ours did in July 2005.

Imagine you are the PM and you are woken to be told a nuclear device has detonated in Manchester - Who exactly are you going to launch your nuclear missiles against?

All the same I don't believe any country that developed nuclear weapons has ever given them up and I can't see it happening

[fairkatrina]

I am sure that before too long at least one Middle Eastern country will launch a nuclear strike against someone, mainly becuase they will always do exactly what they are told not to, and I don't think any of them buy what we've told them about the damage to EVERYONE that a nuclear strike causes. As far as I am concerned once the cold war was over and everyone knew how dangerous these weapons were in the wrong hands, there should have been a worldwide agreement to disarm any existing weapons and cease production / research on more. At some point we are going to have to get over our petty squabbles and think about what is best for the entire species, or we will end up causing our own extinction.

[Llamatron]

I think nuclear weapons are proof, if any were needed, that people are stupid.

[Bigeye74]

They're the only thing that keeps us being a super power. Can you imagine trying to influence Iran without them? Our army may be the best but its tiny.
The situation is similar to a bar fight were the hardest chap in there can stop it by his mere presence