Irreversibly Interdependent

We must abandon the unworkable notion that it is morally reprehensible for some countries to pursue weapons of mass destruction yet morally  acceptable for others to rely on them for security -- and indeed to continue to refine their capacities and postulate plans for their use.

Similarly, we must abandon the traditional approach of defining security in terms of boundaries -- city walls, border patrols, racial and religious groupings.  The global community has become irreversibly interdependent, with the constant movement of people, ideas, goods and resources.  In such a world, we must combat terrorism with an infectious security culture that crosses borders -- an inclusive approach to security based on solidarity and the value of human life.  In such a world, weapons of mass destruction have no place.

-- Mohamed El Baradei (17 June 1942-), Egyptian diplomat, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, New York Times Op-Ed Saving Ourselves From Self-Destruction" (12 February 2004)