Trump Revises Nuclear Posture Toward Russia: Conventional Attack Could Prompt Nuclear Response | Zero Hedge
Description: Despite all that Russian collusion?

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# Trump Revises Nuclear Posture Toward Russia: Conventional Attack Could Prompt Nuclear Response

The Trump administration will continue much of the Obama administration's nuclear weapons policy - with the addition of a much more aggressive stance towards Russia, according to the results of a year-long, 74-page "Nuclear Posture Review" (NPR) conducted by the Department of Defense.

The administration's view is that Russian policies and actions are fraught with potential for miscalculation leading to an uncontrolled escalation of conflict in Europe. It specifically points to a Russian doctrine known as "escalate to de-escalate," in which Moscow would use or threaten to use smaller-yield nuclear weapons in a limited, conventional conflict in Europe in the belief that doing so would compel the U.S. and NATO to back down, according to AP.

"Recent Russian statements on this evolving nuclear weapons doctrine appear to lower the threshold for Moscow's first-use of nuclear weapons," reads the report. Of note, "Russia" is mentioned 14 times in the document.

> The United States and Russia have in the past maintained strategic dialogues to manage nuclear competition and nuclear risks. Given Russian actions, including its occupation of Crimea, this constructive engagement has declined substantially. We look forward to conditions that would once again allow for transparent and constructive engagement with Russia.

> ...this review candidly addresses the challenges posed by Russian, Chinese, and other states strategic policies, programs, and capabilities, particularly nuclear.

In order to address Moscow's more liberal policy on the use of nukes, the Trump administration has two solutions; 1) modify a "small number" of existing ICBMs carried by Trident strategic submarines with smaller-yield nuclear warheads, and 2) "in the longer term," develop a nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile - a weapon that existed during the Cold War but was retired in 2011 by the Obama administration.

The rest of the Nuclear Posture Review falls mostly in line with the previous administration's stance, and does not call for any net increase in strategic nuclear weapons.

> The Trump administration concluded that the U.S. should largely follow its predecessor's blueprint for modernizing the nuclear arsenal, including new bomber aircraft, submarines and land-based missiles. It also endorsed adhering to existing arms control agreements, including the New START treaty that limits the United States and Russia each to 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads on a maximum of 700 deployed launchers. -NY Daily News

> Under Secretary Tom Shannon: The 2018 Nuclear Posture Review highlights the Trump administrations commitment to both the long-term goal of eliminating nuclear weapons and the requirement that the United States have modern, flexible, and resilient nuclear capabilities. pic.twitter.com/enQGDSYtmJ

> Department of State (@StateDept) February 2, 2018

We can't wait to hear how Democrats spin this. Perhaps they'll say Putin is so sneaky that he got his "puppet" Trump to beef up US nuclear defenses against Moscow!

*****

> Statement by President Donald J. Trump on the Nuclear Posture Review:

> On January 27, 2017, in one of my first acts in office, I directed Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to conduct a Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). After a year of thorough analysis and careful deliberations across our government, today, my Administration is announcing the conclusions of this review. These conclusions are grounded in a realistic assessment of the global security environment, the need to deter the use of the most destructive weapons on earth, and our Nations long-standing commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.

> Over the past decade, despite United States efforts to reduce the roles and numbers of nuclear weapons, other nuclear nations grew their stockpiles, increased the prominence of nuclear weapons in their security strategies, and - in some cases - pursued the development of new nuclear capabilities to threaten other nations. Meanwhile, successive United States administrations deferred much-needed modernization of our nuclear weapons, infrastructure, and delivery systems.

> The 2018 NPR addresses these challenges. It describes the roles nuclear weapons play in our national security strategy. The strategy is tailored and flexible to address the wide array of threats in the 21st century. It pursues modernization of our nuclear command, control, and communications, all three legs of our triad, our dual capable aircraft, and our nuclear infrastructure. The strategy develops capabilities aimed at making use of nuclear weapons less likely. It enhances deterrence of strategic attacks against our Nation, and our allies and partners, that may not come in the form of nuclear weapons. And, importantly, it reaffirms our commitment to arms control and nuclear non-proliferation, maintains the moratorium on nuclear testing, and commits to improving efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to nuclear terrorism.

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Slippery Slope Feb 2, 2018 8:13 PM Permalink

I suppose this will help US-Russian relations?

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New_Meat Slippery Slope Feb 2, 2018 8:15 PM Permalink

Nothing new here. Go back to the Neutron Bomb during Ronnie's time.

In reply to I suppose this will help US… by Slippery Slope

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Caloot New_Meat Feb 2, 2018 8:22 PM Permalink

Wow, let's return to the cold war, you know, where the mic points to a nation with an economy the size of Rhode island and uses it to subsidize and funnel trillions in printed fiat to crony corporate murderers. Sick. I'm sure Trump isn't going anywhere.

In reply to Nothing new here. Go back… by New_Meat

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stizazz Caloot Feb 2, 2018 8:23 PM Permalink

The Russian "collusion" ploy was to keep The CONFLICT with Russia alive because Putin is impeding Apartheid Israhell to continue its War Crimes. WARNING: Graphic Images

They won. Trump sold out.

In reply to Wow, let's return to the… by Caloot

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IH8OBAMA stizazz Feb 2, 2018 8:50 PM Permalink

These plans will need to be changed in a few years - because - North Korea is going to soon have their ICBM that works with thermonuclear bombs > South Korea, Japan and a few other Asian nations will follow > Iran will be next followed by the Saudis and a few other ME countries > Prompting more European countries to feel they need to defend themselves with nukes > From there it spreads to most of the world. A limited or all out nuclear exchange will not be far off somewhere.

In reply to The Russian "collusion" ploy… by stizazz

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GunnyHerd IH8OBAMA Feb 3, 2018 10:46 AM Permalink

I'm making over $14k a month working part time. I kept hearing other people tell me how much money they can make online so I decided to look into it. Well, it was all true and has totally changed my life. This is what I do... http://disq.us/url?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Jobzon3.com%3Ab8eR_DQLwGRPVGtFv…

In reply to These plans will need to be… by IH8OBAMA

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PT IH8OBAMA Feb 3, 2018 11:34 AM Permalink

Anyone remember the original pre-election propaganda?

i.e "Trump is going to start WW3 against the Russians."
Until Trump said he wanted to get along with the Russians.
Then it became "Trump is colluding with the Russians."

They changing their minds again?
Mind you, it does not appear that Trump has any control over his foreign policy. Just picked up the script from where the last guy left off. (Feel free to argue that one).

He didn't want any foreign wars.
But he did want to strengthen the military.
Is he still cutting out wasteful spending on the MIC? Or was that just a one-off complaint he made?

In reply to These plans will need to be… by IH8OBAMA

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ImGumbydmmt PT Feb 3, 2018 12:47 PM Permalink

main street USA is becoming a shithole while new cities in Asia sprout the latest innovations of infrastructure, have surpassed us in education and worker productivity.

the US MIC has helped create a defense budget that now exceeds the rest of world's defense budgets combined.

in your own family, if you spent all your money on guns ammo and a fleet of really cool trucks quads and tactical gear, but did not help with the kids education or fix up your wife's kitchen, we would be poor stewards of our finite resources.

kind of like what we see here.

In reply to Anyone remember the original… by PT

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khnum Caloot Feb 2, 2018 10:06 PM Permalink

This guarantees a first strike is a US enemies only option

In reply to Wow, let's return to the… by Caloot

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stizazz New_Meat Feb 2, 2018 8:22 PM Permalink

Really?

In reply to Nothing new here. Go back… by New_Meat

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Golden Showers New_Meat Feb 2, 2018 9:08 PM Permalink

'64 Chevy Malibu.

In reply to Nothing new here. Go back… by New_Meat

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MozartIII New_Meat Feb 2, 2018 9:10 PM Permalink

Being protected by the military, to take on the deep state. A no win situation.

In reply to Nothing new here. Go back… by New_Meat

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MEFOBILLS MozartIII Feb 3, 2018 12:50 PM Permalink

There is the Shadow Government, and then there is DEEP State.

Shadow government is what Trump is at war with. Trump has aligned with elements from MIC, mostly military intelligence. Military intelligence in turn knows that its supply chain in vulnerable in an extended war. This means that finance capitalism, which sends jobs overseas has hollowed out U.S. and made it vulnerable. Military intelligence has broken with CIA/FBI/Finance Capital - Shadow Government.

Nationalism and bringing industry back home is the aim of thinkers in Military Intelligence.

Early on in Trumps campaign, these military patriots aligned with Trump, to then take on the Shadow Government. So, Trump has to play the MIC game for now, as they are his main allies. These shadow government people are in some cases Satanists involved in Pedophilia, which accelerated the turn against them.

Also, Isra-hell has placed agents in CIA so Trump also is using threat of Mossad. Even CIA doesn't know how or where it has been penetrated by Mossad.

In one of Trumps very first speeches to CIA, he told them NO COLUMNS. That is speach code for no fifth columns i.e. Shadow Government against him.

Deep State is less of a problem at the moment than Shadow Government. CIA has connections to ((corporate media)) via Mockingbird, and can threaten media in various ways, to then get what CIA Shadow Government wants.

In reply to Being protected by the… by MozartIII

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Badsamm New_Meat Feb 2, 2018 9:22 PM Permalink

Somebody remind these assholes their second missile test just failed. Not that care about little guys

In reply to Nothing new here. Go back… by New_Meat

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Algo Rhythm New_Meat Feb 3, 2018 12:21 PM Permalink

Yes but now a days since most people are retarded, they might just vaporize us this time......stupid fuckers

In reply to Nothing new here. Go back… by New_Meat

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Scanderbeg Slippery Slope Feb 2, 2018 8:24 PM Permalink

Better relations with Russia was probably the most reasonable position that Trump campaigned on.

So what does the left do?

Pander to Neo-Cons and sabotage them for purely political reasons.

Fucking retards.

In reply to I suppose this will help US… by Slippery Slope

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milking institute Slippery Slope Feb 2, 2018 10:14 PM Permalink

The anti Russia Propaganda is EXCLUSIVELY aimed at Russia/China actively undermining the global Dollar Imperium. in their view a grave risk to the US Banking/military complex. they don't dare to confront China,so little old Russia is being targeted for abuse. could be a fatal miscalculation as wily Putin always seems a step ahead of the dumb asses at the state department. but hey,let's keep poking that bear with a barbed stick,see what happens.....

In reply to I suppose this will help US… by Slippery Slope

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LetThemEatRand Feb 2, 2018 8:14 PM Permalink

Everything we read about today is theater (with the exception of the Kissinger article about a first strike on NK). This is what goes on in the owners box while we're all being entertained.

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Duc888 LetThemEatRand Feb 2, 2018 8:18 PM Permalink

I agree. Total theater.

In reply to Everything we read about… by LetThemEatRand

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Billy the Poet Duc888 Feb 2, 2018 8:24 PM Permalink

It's too shallow and transparent to be theater. The willing suspension of disbelief is just too much to ask.

The banality of evil -- that's what this is.

In reply to I agree. Total theater. by Duc888

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LetThemEatRand Billy the Poet Feb 2, 2018 8:30 PM Permalink

“An unbelieved truth can hurt a man much more than a lie. It takes great courage to back truth unacceptable to our times. There's a punishment for it, and it's usually crucifixion.”
― John Steinbeck, East of Eden

In reply to It's too shallow and… by Billy the Poet

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Billy the Poet LetThemEatRand Feb 2, 2018 8:35 PM Permalink

Who is John Galt?

In reply to “An unbelieved truth can… by LetThemEatRand

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LetThemEatRand Billy the Poet Feb 2, 2018 8:46 PM Permalink

"The greatest lie the Devil ever told was convincing humanity that he didn't exist."

As for John Galt, he was a fictional oligarch industrialist created by a Zionist author who told us that industrialists should be given free rein to do what they want without regulation or other interference from the People. As a reminder, the MSM is owned by oligarchs.

In reply to Who is John Galt? by Billy the Poet

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Billy the Poet LetThemEatRand Feb 2, 2018 9:04 PM Permalink

Still haven't read the book, have you?

In reply to "The greatest lie the Devil… by LetThemEatRand

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Golden Showers Billy the Poet Feb 2, 2018 9:37 PM Permalink

Um, why waste time? Here's something fun for you to shove up your brown star... no disrespect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJBLUQQ_a7g

Here's Rothschild girlfirend Ayn Rand on Donnahue.

The only person I've ever met in my life who pitched Rand to me was a fucking psychopath, not to mention the asshat English teacher in High School. If you think it's worth reading, fine by me. I read Schopenhauer. I read Borges. I read Billington, Hall, Dick, Crowley, Lovecraft, Eliot, Yates, Regardie, Hesse, Joyce, Carroll (Peter, J.), Hamsum, Nietzsche, Kant, Plato... Fuck: Bulwer Lytton: Zannoni, Coming Race, A Strange Story. Robert Anton Wilson, everything... And A Wocket in My Pocket. Just because you don't waste your time with reading the bullshit doesn't mean you don't know what the conversation is.

You might be reading everything else that is more important at the time. You might not know this but reading Bataille, The Pokey Little Puppy, Ralph Snart comic books, Richard Scarey pop ups, Brothers' Grimm, Wired Magazine from day one with the piss baby ad, and Italo Calvino is way better than pushing through that yeast infection called literature that Ayn pussed out of her nasty gash. Oh, and Murakami: since the Elephant Vanishes and he's grown weak since Hard boiled wonderland and the end of the world.

Just remember one word: Isosceles. Say it. Isosceles.

In reply to Still haven't read the book,… by Billy the Poet

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Billy the Poet Golden Showers Feb 2, 2018 9:41 PM Permalink

I earned a BA in Literature in English and scored in the 97th percentile on the GRE.

In reply to Um, why waste time? Here's… by Golden Showers

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Trader200K Golden Showers Feb 2, 2018 10:15 PM Permalink

Just can't get over Ragnar repossessing all your Daddie's Gold you almost inherited huh?

In reply to Um, why waste time? Here's… by Golden Showers

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Billy the Poet LetThemEatRand Feb 3, 2018 12:40 PM Permalink

"The greatest lie the Devil ever told was convincing humanity that he didn't exist."

When I said this is not theater because the US propaganda is, unlike a good theater piece, completely unbeliveable I meant it.

I think you misunderstood my point.

In reply to "The greatest lie the Devil… by LetThemEatRand

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Duc888 Billy the Poet Feb 2, 2018 8:41 PM Permalink

My personal take is that Trump will get around to patching things up with Putin after he reigns in NATO. NATO is an entity of it's own striving for a purpose. Trump will reign in NATO after the Military cleans up the mess on aisle 5 in DC. That's what Trumps declaration of a National Emergency in his Dec 21'st EO was all about. That allows him to legally team up with Military intel and the NSA and now you see..."poof" all these "lost" emails and texts magically appear.

Thank God Robert David Steele and William Binney finally got past Kelly and through to Trump.

In reply to It's too shallow and… by Billy the Poet

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vq1 LetThemEatRand Feb 2, 2018 8:50 PM Permalink

@letthemeatrand

So ZH is pitching russia fear mongering now? Im apparently supposed to be afraid of a NK torpedo too? Whos seen the movie "robot jox" ugh such a cooler vision of the future...

In reply to Everything we read about… by LetThemEatRand

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Golden Showers vq1 Feb 2, 2018 9:11 PM Permalink

Are you kidding? Get the fuck off the PORCH!

In reply to @letthemeatrand… by vq1

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ted41776 Feb 2, 2018 8:14 PM Permalink

had enough yet?

https://i.imgur.com/p6yBVzX.jpg

https://miraclesfor.me/war-peace/shocking-photos-iraq-afghanistan-libya…

can we please get back to innovation and trying to make the rest of the world less of a shithole instead of trying to vaporize one another? pretty please?

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FreeShitter ted41776 Feb 2, 2018 8:15 PM Permalink

Vaporization eliminates the shitholes though.

In reply to can we please get back to… by ted41776

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ted41776 FreeShitter Feb 2, 2018 8:21 PM Permalink

i don't know about that, if you look at some of those pictures it seems like freedom bombs are the reason some places become shitholes in the first place

In reply to Vaporization eliminates the… by FreeShitter

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New_Meat ted41776 Feb 2, 2018 8:16 PM Permalink

some shitholes? No cure there.

In reply to can we please get back to… by ted41776

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Zero Point ted41776 Feb 2, 2018 8:17 PM Permalink

Fuck the rest of the world. Deshitting other countries is their problem.

In reply to can we please get back to… by ted41776

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OverTheHedge Zero Point Feb 3, 2018 1:52 AM Permalink

With all due respect, the US does seem to be the main instigator of shit in most countries around the world. What was the lifestyle like for the average Achmed in Lybia, before HRC got involved. What is it like now? And Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ukraine, and the beat goes on.....Now Somalia, Nigeria, almost all of South America had to play the game, let's go back in time to when it was South East Asia's turn. Do we see a pattern yet?

Does anyone have a pooper scooper big enough for this mess? You are right in that deshitting is someone else's problem - the USA is just in the habit of using the entire rest of the world as its toilet. Time it got itself housetrained, or at least put on a leash, so it can only shit in its own yard.

Nice metaphor you have there - I think I might expand it further. Curl one out, as it were.

In reply to Fuck the rest of the world… by Zero Point

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Killdo OverTheHedge Feb 3, 2018 10:27 AM Permalink

it's done on purpose - Uncle Satan hates the evidence which proves that USSA's crony BS 'capitalism' is not the only/'best' way to structure a society.

In reply to With all due respect, the US… by OverTheHedge

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nmewn Feb 2, 2018 8:16 PM Permalink

Note to Hawaii: This Is Not A Drill!!!

Push the button and drop your kids into sewers ;-)

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Dratpmurt Feb 2, 2018 8:18 PM Permalink

Trump is a fucking genius. I mean idiot.

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Dragon HAwk Feb 2, 2018 8:18 PM Permalink

Both sides know if they start with the Nukes, the other side finishes with Nukes..

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FreeEarCandy Feb 2, 2018 8:20 PM Permalink

The Israelis are really pissed at Russia over handling Iran's enriched uranium, as per. the Iran nuke deal.

> I love the smell of residual radioactive material propelled into the upper atmosphere following a nuclear blast. It smells like victory!

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Billy the Poet FreeEarCandy Feb 2, 2018 8:30 PM Permalink

I can't fit under my desk from second grade anymore.

In reply to The Israelis are really… by FreeEarCandy

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FreeEarCandy Billy the Poet Feb 2, 2018 9:42 PM Permalink

Don't worry. After the flash you'll fit and then some.

In reply to I can't fit under my desk… by Billy the Poet

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Davidduke2000 Feb 2, 2018 8:21 PM Permalink

Russia has 20 years leap over the us in missile technology. but let the us think it has a better technology, like the dead weight nuke that obama upgraded the us nukes to. that has to be dropped from an airplane, I pissed laughing at the upgrade.

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Jung Feb 2, 2018 8:22 PM Permalink

Endless Mindless policies. So much for Trump wanting a better relationship with Russia: what a dope!

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rejected Feb 2, 2018 8:26 PM Permalink

Sick....

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Watson Feb 2, 2018 8:28 PM Permalink

Worry less about Putin's plans and more about pure accidents (on either side).

Watson

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. . . _ _ _ . . . Feb 2, 2018 8:31 PM Permalink

> ...other nuclear nations grew their stockpiles...

American allies grew their stockpiles.

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Yen Cross Feb 2, 2018 8:32 PM Permalink

Europe has to be destroyed in order to save it.

The debt burden [ECB} outweighs the right of all brown peoples of the Middle Kindum to dictate the policies of the very people that feed/fill, their filthy gullets/

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