By Kim Jee-Man ("Jay")
Published in The Korea Herald, Readers' Forum, Thursday, June 11, 1998
Both India and Pakistan's nuclear weapons' tests are making this area the
most dangerous place in the world. The world is entangled in nuclear fear.
South Asia, which is a very poor area, is booming with nuclear experimentations.
India exploded nuclear devices last May 11th and 13th, and later Pakistan
carried out five nuclear tests on May 28th.
If we think Pakistan's nuclear experimentations are justified, there could
be several reasons. The first reason is that Pakistan was standing up to
the five largest nuclear powers. Actually, the five largest nuclear powers
have forced other countries not to have nuclear weapons, even though they
possess them. So, Pakistan could think that countries which have nuclear
weapons can't blame countries which don't have them. Yes, it is a contradiction.
However, we need to consider it deeply. What about the current? All countries
want peace, don't they? If Pakistan and India want to possess nuclear weapons,
this is contrary to the current.
The second reason is Pakistan could feel a menace from India which experienced
wars three times. Pakistan could think that the only method to defend themselves
is to arm their military with nuclear weapons as India did. But, this is
an illusion. Even though they possess nuclear weapons, they still could
feel fear of a war. Rather, if they have nuclear weapons, they might raise
only to other countries' defensiveness. They should know about this principle,
which could lead them to destruction.
The third reason we can guess is that Pakistan is trying to attribute their
domestic problems to outside interests for a political aim. However, we
cannot help regretting Pakistan's nuclear tests, because Pakistan's hasty
policy could stimulate other countries to develop nuclear weapons, particularly
North Korea. They must recognize clearly that nuclear tests are not of
an easy and simple nature.
All over the world, lots of countries are trying to get nuclear weapons
and put them to the test. Even though right now, we can't assume whether
any countries are having tests or not anywhere, the world should take this
opportunity to reorganize nuclear order. The world forum of public opinion
are persuading them to join the N.P.T. (Nonproliferation Treaty) and the
C.T.B.T. (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty). If Pakistan and India don't want
to join these organizations, it is a threat to the world and human beings.
If they don't give up nuclear tests, it is natural that Pakistan and India
get the world's blame and disciplinary action.
The proliferation of nuclear weapons is a dangerous thing, because it could
lead to the final destruction of the whole world. Moreover, the world order
could be threatened by nuclear tests. Both Pakistan and India should realize
this fact, and stop their tests immediately. International society should
punish both India and Pakistan, mercilessly, with economic restrictions
so that they will not have nuclear tests anymore. We hope that as soon
as possible both India and Pakistan will withdraw from nuclear testing
and show that they care about world peace.