Signed, Sealed, Delivered

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_04/023251.php

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED.... In Prague this morning, Presidents Obama and Medvedev put their signatures on a new nuclear arms treaty, the most significant in nearly two decades.

Meeting here in the heart of a once-divided Europe, the two leaders put aside the acrimony that has characterized Russian-American ties in recent years as they agreed to bring down their arsenals and restore an inspection regime that expired in December. Along the way, they sidestepped unresolved disputes over missile defense and other issues.

"When the United States and Russia are not able to work together on big issues, it is not good for either of our nations, nor is it good for the world," Mr. Obama said as his words echoed through a majestic, gilded hall in the famed Prague Castle. "Together, we have stopped the drift, and proven the benefits of cooperation. Today is an important milestone for nuclear security and nonproliferation, and for U.S.-Russia relations."

Mr. Medvedev called the treaty signing "a truly historic event" that will "open a new page" in Russian-American relations. "What matters most is this is a win-win situation," he said. "No one stands to lose from this agreement. I believe this is a typical feature of our cooperation. Both parties have won."

The treaty, which nearly didn't happen, will now move to the Senate for consideration. For ratification, it will need 67 votes

Fred Kaplan had a good piece recently on the treaty and its larger significance.

Fred Kaplan's piece here:
http://www.slate.com/id/2248887/
Agreeing To Agree
The U.S.-Russian arms treaty may not be big news, but it's good news.

[WhiteTara]

1. ah the senate

there in lies the rub.

[babylonsister]

3. I'd like to think lots of pressure on the rethugs will make them

recognize this is a good thing, but since they're so into obstructing everything, my hopes aren't high.

[DCKit]

6. They may try to spin this as a bad thing, but it ain't gonna work.

I hope they go nuts over this - tens of thousands more (D) voters in November.

The rest (the willfully ignorant 29%) will be confused over what a "nuclear" treaty could possibly be - "newcuelur" sure, but WTF is "nuclear"?

[Clio the Leo]

9. They are already working on them....

http://twitter.com/abettel/status/11823429769

[vaberella]

10. Congress and Republicans period are always a problem. n/t

[tekisui]

2. knr

[eridani]

4. Very good news indeed

Even though less than what disarmament activist would eventually like to see, this really is a step in the right direction. (Unlike health care.)

[liberal N proud]

5. The pro war republicans are going to fight this thing all the way

They don't want Obama taking away any of their fireworks.

[AlinPA]

7. Will republicans' refusal to agree to the treaty nullify it? It seems the signing should come after

Senate approval.

[babylonsister]

8. I think it was more important to get the Russians on board first; might

make it more difficult for the republicans to fight it. And now this needs to be ratified by our Congress as well as their body politic, whatever it's called; I have no idea how the Russians will react. Sadly, we all think we know over here how the rethugs will react.

[AlinPA]

11. Then it's good that it was signed by both Presidents first. Given the republicans' block on

everything, it looks like it will just end up symbolic for now. Too bad. Lugar might be the only republican vote, the rest of them are hard core no.