The elimination of nuclear weapons is most likely to occur through sequential steps.

1. A frequent beginning step recommended by many experts is de-alerting, that is, taking weapons off quick-launch alert.
2. Some experts are uncertain about the final course to the total elimination of nuclear weapons but want to achieve deep cuts that approach zero.
3. In the process of promoting non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, it may be necessary to eliminate incipient programs for production of weapons of mass destruction. Disarming Iraq is currently the focus of such activity.

Ideas on de-alerting, deep cuts, and disarming Iraq are presented here.