As Japan marks the 64th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the world sees two forces working in opposite directions when it comes to the issue of nuclear weapons.
On one hand, the opportunity has arisen to strengthen moves toward the global elimination of nuclear weapons. In an April 5 speech in Prague, U.S. President Barack Obama touched on the steps although he hinted at inherent difficulties in taking this direction. On the other hand, the danger from nuclear proliferation is increasing, as exemplified by North Korea, which conducted its second nuclear-weapons test May 25.
In his speech, Mr. Obama made clear the U.S. commitment "to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons." He also said that "as a nuclear power, as the only nuclear power to have used a nuclear weapon, the United States has a moral responsibility to act" toward building a nuclear-free world.