1.  Define the following as used in the article:
deploy/deployment
deployed nuclear weapons
strategic
strategic nuclear weapons (use the wikipedia definition for this term)
deterrence

2.  What pledge did President Obama make in 2009 regarding nuclear weapons?

3.  President Obama asked the Pentagon to develop several "alternative approaches" to nuclear deterrence.  What options will the Pentagon present to the president for his consideration?

4.  a) For what reasons do Republicans oppose any cuts in the number of nuclear weapons the U.S. has deployed?
b)  Are these reasonable arguments?  Explain your answer.

5.  a) For what reason do those who support cutting the U.S. nuclear force do so?
b)  Is this a reasonable argument?  Explain your answer.

6.  America's nuclear arsenal consists of the triad of weaponry: submarine-launched ballistic missiles, ground-based ballistic missiles and weapons launched from big bombers like the B-52 and the stealthy B-2.  
a)  What is the Obama administration's motive for proposing delaying the development of any new ballistic missile subs that carry nuclear weapons?
b)  In your opinion, is this a strong enough reason to do so?  Explain your answer.

7.  Nuclear disarmament refers to both the act of reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons and to the end state of a nuclear-free world, in which nuclear weapons are completely eliminated. (from wikipedia)  
Consider the nuclear weapons programs of Iran and North Korea.  For each of the following statements made in a commentary on nuclear weapons, state whether you agree or disagree.  Explain your answers:

a) __________________ "But the only country we can disarm is our own. The only countries we might be able to persuade to disarm are countries that intend no harm in the first place. Those that do intend harm would be delighted to have all their victims disarmed."

b) __________________ "In the real world, the question of whether nuclear disarmament is desirable is irrelevant because it's simply not possible, except in words -- and we'd truly be fools to accept such words at the risk of our lives."

c) __________________ "Even if every nuclear weapon on the planet were destroyed -- and how could we be sure that had happened? -- it still wouldn't destroy the knowledge of how to make nuclear weapons. Countries with aggressive intentions need only choose the time when they would put their knowledge of nuclear weapons to use, and have the world at their mercy."