OPINION:
“Cuban missile crisis lessons forgotten as nuclear arms race spreads across world” (Web, Dec. 12) by Joseph DeTrani rehashes much that has been discussed for decades. The problems the world faced once nuclear weapons were developed have not changed.
Despite the repeated attempts that have been initiated over the past seven decades, the weapons are still with us and the danger of further proliferation remains. Also unchanged is the recognition that a major nuclear exchange by powerful nations will lead not to a victory but to the destruction of our civilization.
Over the past 40 years, more effort has been devoted to developing missile defenses. These should be capable of intercepting limited attacks but would still not be able to prevent the need for an overwhelming response to an all-out attack, resulting in total devastation. Thus, the much-disliked concept of mutual assured destruction remains our best means of avoiding nuclear war, meaning that we have to retain an effective nuclear arsenal and a strong defense.
The situation will not change even if the alarming increase in proliferation outlined in Mr. DeTrani’s piece occurs. It would take a decade or more before newly acquiring nations could accumulate sufficient warheads and missiles to overwhelm the Golden Dome defense now under development. Thus, the present level of security could be retained without the risk of total war.
Nuclear weapons have never been popular within the general population, but, like most other scientific advancements, have proved impossible to disregard once in existence. We must continue to do all possible to prevent their use in future conflicts. The Golden Dome, coupled with retention of our responsive threat, remains the best way forward.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville, Maryland
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