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Chapter V. Prevent Our Enemies from Threatening Us, Our Allies, and Our Friends with Weapons of Mass Destruction

 Section B.  Current Context:  Successes and Challenges

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             We have worked hard to protect our citizens and our security.  The United States has

             worked extensively with the international community and key partners to achieve

             common objectives.  

                   

             ·  The United States has begun fielding ballistic missile defenses to deter and protect the

                   United States from missile attacks by rogue states armed with WMD.  The fielding of

                   such missile defenses was made possible by the United States' withdrawal from the

                   1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which was done in accordance with the treaty's

                   provisions.

             

             ·  In May 2003, the Administration launched the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI),

                   a global effort that aims to stop shipments of WMD, their delivery systems, and

                   related material.  More than 70 countries have expressed support for this initiative,

                   and it has enjoyed several successes in impeding WMD trafficking.

             

 

National Security Strategy 18

 

        ·  United States leadership in extensive law enforcement and intelligence cooperation

             involving several countries led to the roll-up of the A.Q. Khan nuclear network.

 

        ·  Libya voluntarily agreed to eliminate its WMD programs shortly after a PSI

             interdiction of a shipment of nuclear-related material from the A.Q. Khan network to

             Libya.

         

        ·  The United States led in securing passage in April 2004 of United Nations Security

             Council (UNSC) Resolution 1540, requiring nations to criminalize WMD

             proliferation and institute effective export and financial controls.  

         

        ·  We have led the effort to strengthen the ability of the International Atomic Energy

             Agency (IAEA) to detect and respond to nuclear proliferation.  

         

        ·  The Administration has established a new comprehensive framework, Biodefense for

             the 21st Century, incorporating innovative initiatives to protect the United States

             against bioterrorism.

         

        Nevertheless, serious challenges remain:

             

        ·  Iran has violated its Non-Proliferation Treaty safeguards obligations and refuses to

             provide objective guarantees that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.

         

        ·  The DPRK continues to destabilize its region and defy the international community,

             now boasting a small nuclear arsenal and an illicit nuclear program in violation of its

             international obligations.  

         

        ·  Terrorists, including those associated with the al-Qaida network, continue to pursue

             WMD.

         

        ·  Some of the world's supply of weapons-grade fissile material ­ the necessary

             ingredient for making nuclear weapons ­ is not properly protected.

         

        ·  Advances in biotechnology provide greater opportunities for state and non-state

             actors to obtain dangerous pathogens and equipment.

             

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