The risks posed by nuclear weapons are escalating. US presidential leadership may be the most important factor in whether the risk of nuclear arms racing, proliferation and war will rise or fall in the years ahead. 

Perhaps the most consequential responsibility for a US President, who has the sole authority to order the use of nuclear weapons, is to avoid events that could lead to a nuclear war - not only between Russia or China and the US, but involving Israel also. 

On September 20, a UN resolution on Israel’s unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory received 124 votes in favour, while 43 countries abstained, and Israel, the US and 12 others voted “no”. Israel is a nuclear power estimated to have between 90 and 400 nuclear warheads. 

The existence of nuclear weapons in the politically volatile Middle East greatly increases the likelihood of a catastrophic nuclear war - with Israel’s nuclear weapons, and if Iran has enriched enough nuclear material to build them. The consequences of a nuclear exchange would be enormous. 

Adding to the risks and tragic consequences, war-making remains a profit-making enterprise. 

Bob Hughes