BBC News: Reports on the US - Russian Summit between President Obama and President Medvedev of Russia. The most interesting part of the Press Conference it can be argued was the news that Russia has agreed to allow the USA to transport weapons and troops to Afghanistan through Russia. This benefits both the USA and Russia. On the USA side it helps that it does not have to relay on Pakistan, the Taliban/Terrorists have been successful in attacking Western Military Convoys from Pakistan to Afghanistan. As from the Russian perspective they have their own Islamic problem, also they have been burnt in Afghanistan during the USSR period. Thus USA owes them a favour, also its pay back time for the defeat of the USSR in Afghanistan. This is real politics at is most brutal and beneficial for both sides. As to the agreements on nuclear levels, this is a sideshow, who thinks there is going to be World War 3. The USA has developed better nuclear missiles and the Russian missiles are old. Thus in some respects it benefits Russia to cut the levels. As to missile defence, it can be argued that Obama cant really give the store away, there is Iran, the Congress well the Conservative Blue Dogs in the House and Senate will not allow Obama to sell the store on this issue while Iran and North Korea are a threat. Thus in pure real political terms both sides get something out of the deal, the USA can supply its troops in Afghanistan through Russia, the Russia bear gets the respects it wants and it owed a favour by the USA. A good Summit, but lets not thinks this is a NEW DAWN. In the time of the British Empire we played the Great Game with Russia, now its the USA. The Russia bear should be respected but its weak and old, the appearance of respect yes but not a veto to Western Policy. Lets hope Obama knows the difference between spin and the old Reagan line, TRUST BUT VERIFY.
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