I agree that specifics would be useful. It’s bad to be too vague to be wrong. The more vague an open letter happens to be the easier it is to ignore it.
As it stands the effects of the letter likely don’t go beyond signaling because in the abstract anyone can agree with it, but that’s not going to change anyone’s actions.
When it comes to nuclear first use, the US does threaten Iran with a nuclear first strike by saying:
US is “prepared to use all elements of its national power” to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
Nuclear first strikes capability is one element of US national power. As far as I know, past attempts to get the US to explicitely rule out using a nuclear first strike against Iran and North Korea always failed.
If you actually want the US to stop making nuclear first strike threats, being explicit about the threads against Iran not being okay would be taking a stance. You would likely get some opposition for taking the stance, but at least it’s something concrete.
When it comes to “reckless escalation” I find it likely that neither the US nor Ukraine would say they engage in reckless escalation. If you want them to change what they are doing you likely need to be more concrete.
I agree that specifics would be useful. It’s bad to be too vague to be wrong. The more vague an open letter happens to be the easier it is to ignore it.
As it stands the effects of the letter likely don’t go beyond signaling because in the abstract anyone can agree with it, but that’s not going to change anyone’s actions.
When it comes to nuclear first use, the US does threaten Iran with a nuclear first strike by saying:
Nuclear first strikes capability is one element of US national power. As far as I know, past attempts to get the US to explicitely rule out using a nuclear first strike against Iran and North Korea always failed.
If you actually want the US to stop making nuclear first strike threats, being explicit about the threads against Iran not being okay would be taking a stance. You would likely get some opposition for taking the stance, but at least it’s something concrete.
When it comes to “reckless escalation” I find it likely that neither the US nor Ukraine would say they engage in reckless escalation. If you want them to change what they are doing you likely need to be more concrete.