According to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, the dangers of nuclear war are at their highest since 1953. Russia and the U.S., the two nuclear superpowers, are on opposite sides of a potential nuclear escalation triggered by events in Syria, Ukraine and Iran.
The U.S. attack on the Syrian government installations on April 14 had a lot of experts and citizens wondering if our luck in preventing nuclear war was running out. Before the strike, Russia had repeatedly said that if any Russian soldiers or personnel were killed, they would retaliate. Russia and the U.S./NATO are also on the opposite sides of the deadly war in the Ukraine. Ukraine is on Russia's border.
First strike policies and uncertainty about what the other side will do increase the dangers of escalation. Russia and U.S. diplomacy is at an all-time low, lower than during any time during the Cold War. Diplomacy is needed to prevent war.
The president and the Pentagon make their plans with very little input from the American public. We cannot sit aside and be silent. We must press Congress, who are supposed to represent us, to play their constitutional role to stop endless war and prevent nuclear war.
A panel discussion titled "The Current Dangers of Nuclear War" will take place on Thursday, May 3, and will focus on the flashpoints for nuclear war between the United States and Russia: Iran, Syria, Ukraine. Panelists will include: Ron Forthofer, Judith Mohling, David Barsamian and Moji Agha. The event is at 7 p.m. at G130, Duane Physics, CU Boulder, and is free. You voice is essential in efforts to prevent nuclear war.
Carolyn Bninski
Boulder