Are we doing all we can to avert a nuclear terrorist attack? According to a report by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and Harvard University, the answer seems to be no.

We've written about the radiological materials problem in the USA, and also covered some problems with the programs underway in Russia, which have thrown away hundreds of millions of dollars due to corruption and non-cooperation. The problems in Russia are especially important; unless they're ironed out, more money will do little to address this issue in the very area of greatest risk.

NTI.org is a worthy initiative started by former Senator Sam Nunn (D-Ga.) and Ted Turner (eccentric-Ga.). I've been following the nuclear-chemical-biological weapons field for almost 20 years now, and Senator Nunn's interest and efforts have been consistent throughout. For instance, he co-sponsored the "Nunn-Lugar" bill that aimed to clean up dangerous nuclear and biological storage sites in the Soviet Union and beyond. He was also Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committe for many years, knowledgeable and visionary. They don't make Democrats like him any more, and it's a great pity.

There are real obstacles here, but Nunn's right - this stuff ought to be fixed. Here's the full set of reports and links from NTI.org to get that debate started.