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America’s nuclear policy

The Takeaway

    India is set to clear one of the last three hurdles to its historic nuclear deal with the United States. The International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to approve a mechanism to safeguard and inspect Indian nuclear facilities, lifting a 34-year-old ban on selling U.S. nuclear fuel and technology to India even though Dehli has tested nuclear weapons and refuses to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

    Iran, which has signed the non-proliferation treaty, has a deadline to agree to end its nuclear ambitions or else face more sanctions.

    "The Takeaway’s" John Hockeberry talks to Sharon Weinberger, veteran nuclear analyst, about the administration’s inconsistency when it comes to nuclear policy.

    Weinberger says, "This has long been a criticism of the administration going back for a few years now, that basically we treat countries differently depending on where they are on the political spectrum, where they are in relation to the United States. Pakistan in particular has been very critical of the U.S. deal with India.

    "To the world, it’s very very hard because its sends a mixed signal — it says basically, ‘what can you do to earn the good graces of the United States …"

    Weinberger is author of "Nuclear Family Vacation: Travels in the World of Atomic Weaponry." She also blogs at Wired’s Danger Room blog.

    "The Takeaway" is PRI’s new national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.

    More at thetakeaway.org

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