On what basis does the US say that we can have nukes, but others can't?

Question

Is this a UN thing? It seems odd to me that we make this something that we think we can control about other countries.

I'm not saying that I want Iran to have nukes, I'm just wondering what reason we can have to stop them?
I also didn't say it was fair.

Answer 1

It is called the NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY of 1968 and was ratified in 1970 by 187 countries including Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, India....all of wich have violated the treaty they have signed.

Answer 2

On the basis that we have nukes.

The way the 'atomic age,' or the 'cold war' shook out actually wasn't that complicated. Those nations that had nukes stockpiled enough of them that no other nuclear-armed nation dared attack them for fear of massive retaliation.

Each new nation that enters the 'nuclear club' makes that MAD equation a little more complicated. Worse, nations that acquire nukes but can't build up a deterent force (like the DPRK) are even more destabilizing than large nations that develop nukes (like India), because they do not become part of MAD. Instead, they are the wild card that could touch off the whole thing - they're nuclear power isn't sufficient to act as a deterent, so it's actually of no value /unless/ they use it. Using it 'deniably' (by passing a nuke to 'terrorists' for instance), thus becomes very attractive.

Answer 3

It's a responsibility deal. The UN has, in the past, suggested allowing other countries to become nuclear powers. They just have to demonstrate that it would not be a threat to global/regional security/stability. The countries involved in debate currently would greatly destabilize their regions, and pose a global threat if they are allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.

I agree that it should not be the United States' decision as to whether or not a country can decide to go nuclear, but then again - it isn't.

Answer 4

WHO CARES??!! You're talking about FAIR when it comes to survival? Thank God YOU are not President. You would probably make nuclear weapons for Iran and any other country that would like to get their hands on them. Imagine the shocked look on your face as LA, New York, DC, and every other major city is annihilated.
It is a UN thing and Iran wasn't invited to join "the club."

Answer 5

It's because other countries aren't trusted with them. We don't have terrorist groups that go against other countries. We have serial killers, but no terrorists like North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and where ever Al Queda roams. We can be trusted because we've liberated countries and tore evil dictators out of power. i agree that it's not our place to tell other countries what to do, necessarily, but when it comes to the point where you're putting lighter fluid on a flame that's when you're crazy.

Answer 6

I would like to give an intelligent answer but I haven't figured this one out yet. Especially, as of date we are the only country to have used them in war.

Answer 7

I don't believe any of our leaders has called for the annihilation of another country, more less a civilization.

Answer 8

Because america is the only country sane enough not to use them..

(even though it used them twice etc and is the only nation on earth too use them).

Answer 9

Do you really trust fanatical Muslims who want to wipe out the Western world with nuclear weapons???

Answer 10

can you say...hypocritical. and whats worse our government, currently, has very little influence in getting other nations to join in a serious effort to collectively address this most dangerous of threats.