Eight decades after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear threats loom

As the world marks the solemn anniversary of the atomic bombings of  Hiroshima and Nagasaki this week in August 1945, the spectre of nuclear warfare looms larger than ever in an increasingly unstable global landscape.

In a statement on Monday, the Institute for Public Accuracy featured John Steinbach, co-founder of the Hiroshima – Nagasaki Peace Committee, sounding alarm on the resurgence of nuclear threats.

Steinbach warned that multiple crises, ranging from regional conflicts to climate disasters, could potentially escalate into a catastrophic nuclear war.

The Washington-based committee will host a series of commemorative events starting on Tuesday, including vigils and educational panels advocating for nuclear disarmament.

Steinbach, who has worked closely with Hibakusha survivours for years, emphasised lasting trauma inflicted by nuclear weapons, recounting horrifying first-hand accounts of melted eyeballs and charred skin.

While nuclear bombs have not been used in combat since World War II, Steinbach referenced Pentagon Papers whistle-blower Daniel Ellsberg analysis that U.S. nuclear posturing serves as a form of “strategic blackmail,” akin to a robber wielding an unloaded gun.

Additionally, he highlighted Israel alleged “Samson Option” doctrine, a rumoured last-resort threat to deploy nuclear weapons in the face of existential threats.

Recent events have underscored heightened nuclear tensions in the world. Japanese survivour group Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize while drawing comparisons between humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the aftermath of the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Toshiyuki Mimaki sparked controversy suggesting  Gaza medical workers deserve Nobel Peace Prizes in light of the devastating scenes reminiscent of the aftermath of the atomic bombings.