What will we do when Brazil tests a nuclear weapon? I am terrified

[NNN0LHI]

http://globalization.about.com/library/weekly/aa122302a.htm

In the Wild West, the six-shooter was known as the "Equalizer" because it leveled the playing field. Even scrawny guys were powerful forces to be reckoned with if they had a pistol.

For a growing number of nations, the nuclear bomb is the 21st century Equalizer. Attempting to build or buy a nuclear weapon is so logical (from a strategic perspective) we should stop being shocked every time we hear that India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Brazil, North Korea, or any other country wants "the bomb."

Up until 9/11 the United States was being tough on Pakistan because the military government (which ousted civilian leaders in 1999) was supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan and, directly or indirectly, helping Al Queda. Immediately after 9/11 the United States could have decided to oust the dictators of Afghanistan AND Pakistan in one fell swoop. Even now we aren't sure if Al Queda escaped through Pakistan (or is perhaps being harbored there today).

Instead, the United States opted to give Pakistan and General Pervez Musharraf a big bear hug. We held them so close they had no choice but to cooperate with America. Why did we do this?

Was US policy influenced by Pakistan's nuclear status? The real answer doesn't matter because most countries have already decided that the answer is "yes." And, learning from Pakistan's example, even more nations have intensified their efforts to get nuclear weapons.

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