The nonproliferation "regime" may now be collapsing. That doesn't mean we should precipitously abandon it. We have an interest in slowing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the nonproliferation regime remains one tool of persuasion. But as in the past, and as always in international affairs, there must be some adjustment to reality. One aspect of the present reality is that India has long been a nuclear power, and this deal doesn't make it more of one. Another part of the present reality is that North Korea and Iran are probably going to be nuclear powers, too, and in any case the nonproliferation "regime" is not going to stop them.

Were Congress somehow to reject the administration's deal in some effort to maintain a consistent principle on nonproliferation, it would have no effect on Iran's decisions. But that futile gesture would have a devastating effect on U.S. relations with India. In our less-than-ideal world, where, we are often told, America needs good friends and allies, that would be a terrible bargain.

India Is Not a Precedent

The global threat of proliferation is real, and the destructive capability of irresponsible nations -- and perhaps even some terrorist groups -- will be enhanced by a lack of leadership among nuclear powers that are not willing to restrain themselves or certain chosen partners. Like it or not, the United States is at the forefront in making these crucial strategic decisions. A world armed with nuclear weapons could be a terrible legacy of the wrong choices.

A Dangerous Deal With India, by Jimmy Carter

Georgia is about to become the first state to approve the use of the Bible as a textbook in public schools.

Teaching the Bible in Georgia's Public Schools

Can Hollywood make quality movies for both love and money?

Lawsuit Over 'Brokeback Mountain' Reveals Unease Over Pay for 'Arthouse' Films

The virus has not reached the Americas, but it seems only a matter of time before it turns up in birds here.

Even so, a human pandemic caused by A(H5N1) is by no means inevitable. Many researchers doubt it will ever happen.

Questions and Answers About Avian Flu

The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, where Dr. Jeremy Farrar works, has treated about two dozen people with avian influenza in the last three years.

Dr. Jeremy Farrar. The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, where Dr. Farrar works, has treated about two dozen patients with avian flu.

With that tiny number, Dr. Farrar and his Vietnamese colleagues probably have more clinical experience than any other doctors with the A(H5N1) virus — the dreaded germ that international health officials fear may ignite the next flu pandemic.

On the Front: A Pandemic Is Worrisome but 'Unlikely'

ALTHOUGH today's solar eclipse will not be visible in North America, science fans will get a chance to see it online.

Taking the Rough-and-Tumble Approach to Science

The idea had sprung out of a late-night discussion among some Harvard students about the inanity of blind dates and mixers.

Computing the Mysteries of Attraction

imagine if only one theater company in the world still focused on producing old plays. Then imagine the pressure and anticipation from the few remaining fans if that one group of Shakespeareans put on a new show only every four years or so.

If you can imagine that, you can understand Oblivion's place in the game world and why for thousands of gamers of a certain generation, men and women in their late 20's and 30's who grew up on big medieval fantasy epics, Oblivion has been such a rush.

Neglected Solo Gamers, Now Heroes Once Again

Defense lawyers trying to prevent the government from executing Zacarias Moussaoui for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks ended their case on Tuesday with last-minute efforts to undo the damage he had inflicted on himself with testimony in which he calmly agreed to the charges against him.

Defense Tries to Undo Damage Moussaoui Did