Blair whacks non-proliferation treaty

Surely it's time to admit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is dead. The treaty not only obliges non-nuclear states to reject nuclear weapons; it also obliges nuclear states to get rid of them. But they aren't doing it. As if to underline this point, Tony Blair has announced his government intends to replace its fleet of nuclear subs and renew its Trident D5 missiles. Needless to say, British Tories support Blair's policy.

Blair's shameless statement is as offensive to the treaty as is Iran's alleged attempt to obtain nuclear weaponry. At least North Korea had the decency to formally withdraw from the treaty before embarking on its nuclear quest.

How can the West in good conscience ask Iran to honour its obligations when its major antagonists, the United States, Britain and Israel, treat the agreement with contempt?

The nuclear clock moves ever closer to midnight.