US congressional Republicans just passed legislation that will hamper implementation of New START as well as the administration's ability to make changes to the US nuclear arsenal. But this isn't a lingering Cold War hangover or an ideological battle. It's pure partisanship.
The National Academy of Sciences just released its exhaustive analysis of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, demonstrating that the treaty would increase security, foster safety, and deter illicit weapons.
As the Obama administration prepares to make critical decisions about the future of the US nuclear arsenal, it would do well to ignore calls to develop new low-yield counterforce options, as they would actually increase the probability of nuclear war and undermine US nonproliferation goals.
With the anniversary of New START's entry into force, it's time for an examination of the treaty's successes, future opportunities, and the hurdles nuclear arms reductions still face.
In a time of economic austerity and national insecurity, US nuclear deterrence must be fundamentally revised.