Joe Conason: On Nuclear Issues Bolton’s a Failure

Of all the questions that cloud the nomination of John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations, the most troubling has so far received the least attention: Has he performed his current diplomatic duties competently and in accordance with U.S. policy?

The answer is a matter of profound concern, because Mr. Bolton’s job, as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, is to promote multilateral action against the proliferation of the world’s most destructive weapons. There are few officials in government with as much responsibility for the future security of this country and the world.

Specifically, Mr. Bolton is in charge of securing Russian cooperation to safeguard old Soviet stockpiles of uranium and plutonium, the core elements of nuclear weapons, from terrorists who want to inflict catastrophic harm on democratic civilization. Today, at least 300 metric tons of the stuff still remains inadequately protected.
(New York Observer)