As the drumbeats for war on Iran increase, we who espouse effective, security-enhancing, non-military conflict resolution options must not be similarly ignored. It is time that our leaders and our media also put these options on the table.

The field of nuclear weapons has long needed fresh perspectives. For decades there was deterrence, and then disarmament. Finally, there is a group with potential to break new ground.

The key to understanding today's announcement on Iran is this: President Obama knew about the secret Iranian facility nine months ago.

If our thousands of nuclear weapons actually do serve to deter, then why should we be concerned about a nuclear North Korea or Iran? If they do not serve to deter, then why retain them at all?

This agreement is significant because it codifies unprecedented steps the UAE is taking to prevent proliferation. It also enables the US to send an important message to the region.

Does the Obama administration really think we can retain nuclear weapons for 50 more years and dodge the bullet of nuclear accident, terror or crisis?

History is not on North Korea's side, and ensnaring the hermit state in negotiations establishes some possibility of reining in its behaviors.