But it should be just as quick to ease sanctions as countries take such positive steps as accession to the test ban treaty. Congress should give President Clinton the authority to waive economic sanctions tied to nuclear tests. The alternative is to let sanctions go forward and risk a political reaction in India and Pakistan that could close the CTBT opening. Just as important, the US Senate itself should move ahead with ratification of the treaty. Opponents of the CTBT make the bogus arguments that a ban would allow US nuclear weapons to deteriorate and that Indian and Pakistani tests showed how difficult verification is.
Technology exists to address both problems.
Us ratification would strongly encourage others to follow suit. India, in particular, has demanded proof that the big nuclear powers are willing to limit their own weapons development. Even with the South Asian powers aboard, full international implementation of the treaty will remain a challenge. North Korea, for example, must somehow be persuaded. But forward movement by India, Pakistan, and the US will lend crucial momentum.