In his State of the Union Address, President Obama pledged that "America will continue to lead the effort to prevent the spread of the world's most dangerous weapons."
Strong words. But then again, he says that every year, and the rogue states don't seem to take notice. Obama keeps talking, and the proliferators keep proliferating.
On Tuesday, North Korea conducted its third nuclear test, prompting Obama to threaten that the United States would "lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats." But the White House has issued no specific threats, and has no action plan. Pyongyang knows it can act with impunity because Obama's threats are not credible. In the 2010 State of the Union address, Obama warned North Korea that it "faces increased isolation, and stronger sanctions." In 2011, he said that we "insist that North Korea keeps its commitment to abandon nuclear weapons." And in 2012, he chose not to mention Pyongyang's nuclear program at all.
Obama also lectured Iran, demanding that "they meet their obligations," and pledged the U.S. will "do what is necessary to prevent (Tehran) from getting a nuclear weapon." But we heard this before, too, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, when Obama threatened Iran "will face growing consequences. That is a promise." Yet Iran's nuclear weapons program has continued apace. And solid evidence exists that Iran and North Korea are collaborating on nuclear weapons development.
Iran might even be inspired by North Korea's example. Pyongyang has proved that even a country as poor and dysfunctional as North Korea can not only develop and test nuclear weapons, but also can do so without significant consequences. Iran is wealthier than North Korea, more technologically advanced and governed by a committed, revolutionary government. If North Korea can defy Obama's empty threats, Iran can, too.
Despite his annual bluster, Obama has failed to formulate an effective, credible strategy to deal with the growing danger of rogue state nuclear programs. An Iranian nuclear weapon is only a matter of time.
James S. Robbins is a senior fellow in national security affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council.