As two nuclear armed countries start a war, another announces a deadly new nuclear doctrine

[Ellen Thomas]

The illegal attacks on Iran and the new French nuclear policy are increasing global catastrophic risk

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Dear Ellen, There’s a saying “March roars in like a lion but goes out like a lamb”. While that is meant to apply to the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, right now it’s holding true for nuclear politics. In the first few days of this month we’ve seen Israel and the U.S., two nuclear-armed countries, start a war with Iran, using nuclear weapons as a pretext. Also this week, France announced it is increasing its nuclear arsenal and planning new nuclear cooperation with countries across Europe.  The danger is growing, and I want to tell you what we’ve been doing about it. When the attacks began on Iran, we immediately released a public condemnation, which was picked up by news outlets in dozens of countries. Our partners have held demonstrations, issued regional reflections and are speaking with their parliamentary representatives. We’ve spoken with governments and seen a number of States Parties to the Nuclear Ban Treaty condemn and lament the attacks. We’re following closely with concern. Watch video On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to increase the size of the French nuclear arsenal and cooperation with several European states including the possible deployment of nuclear capable aircraft. In countries like Belgium, France, Denmark,  Germany, Sweden, and Norway we’re actively speaking with parliamentarians who have not been consulted or even informed about the possibility of nuclear weapons cooperation with France, and are demanding democratic oversight. The public has a right and responsibility to be informed and engage in discussions about nuclear policies that put them directly in harm’s way. Today, on the International Day for Nuclear Disarmament and Non Proliferation Awareness, will you support ICAN to help build a nuclear-free world? Our movement is resisting these new nuclear dangers, thank you for standing with us. Susi Snyder Director of Programmes Support our work ICAN is the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons   Place de Cornavin 2, Geneve 1201, Switzerland

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