From Japan to the U.S. and Russia: Ratify the New START Treaty

President Obama is attempting to move toward to a “nuclear-free world,” but the United States Senate stands in the way on the road to his first nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

It is the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty signed in April by the U.S. and Russia. Both sides will try to decrease nuclear weapons to the decided 1550 warheads. Approval from the Senate is needed for ratification.

Standing out during the midterm elections earlier this month, the Republican Party is now stronger in U.S. politics. There are even Democrats who are opposing the ratification in order to “sabotage Obama.” The Senate, which is expected to criticize that approach, has somehow become insignificant.

As stated by Sen. Lugar, who supports the treaty as a Republican, this is a problem regarding American national security and also a problem about the security of the world. He wants the Senate to come to their good senses.

A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is needed for ratification. Democrats alone will not suffice; support from Republican members is also necessary. As a result of the midterm elections, Democratic seats will suddenly decrease in the new session of the Senate beginning in January of next year. President Obama is aiming for ratification within this year, with the current members of Senate, and is declaring it a top foreign policy goal.

If President Obama fails, the continued years without a mutual agreement between the U.S. and Russia on nuclear disarmament will damage exchanges about disarmament of weapons built up from the Cold War period and greatly endanger trust building.

President Obama set a budget for a weapons modernization program and on delivery systems in line with calls from Republicans in order to increase the support base; however, he is also receiving criticism for being a “spendthrift.” The Republicans, who are critical of the fiscal deficit, must also seriously consider budget cuts in nuclear disarmament.

The president should not only urge for approval through political dealings but also repeatedly appeal for the necessity of the treaty from the start through addresses to citizens. If widespread support from U.S. citizens can be secured, then change in the Republicans’ attitude will also be expected.

This new START treaty is an important first step connected to the dialog on nuclear weapons and disarmament by countries other than the U.S. and Russia. President Obama wants to attend to this while building a political career so that the plan for a “nuclear-free world” is not just a vision.

Currently, Russia is taking increasing nuclear missiles off alert. If the ratification of the treaty fails, Russia must invest more money into the expansion of alternative nuclear missiles. Russia must also avoid a restart of the Cold War. Ratification in Russia is being delayed by fear of missile defense, but a decision is expected shortly.

If the U.S. and Russia’s nuclear disarmament stagnates, it will invite the vicious cycle of China’s strengthening of its nuclear readiness and India’s nuclear expansion. Without fail, this is a problem for Japan and Asia’s security, and Japan also must strongly appeal for the U.S. and Russia’s mutual ratification of the treaty.

It is not too late to start now. How about Prime Minister Naoto Kan conveys anew Japan’s position to the American and Russian leaders?