A Landmark Missile Deal

In another encouraging signal that the U.S. and Russia are moving toward an atmosphere of cooperation rather than confrontation, President George W. Bush announced last week that he will sign a groundbreaking arms control treaty with Russian President Vladimir Putin when the two leaders meet later this month.

The agreement will mandate that each country slash its nuclear weapons stockpile from 6,000 warheads to between 1,700 and 2,200 warheads. These cutbacks will be made over the next 10 years; the decommissioned arms will either be placed in storage or totally dismantled, depending on each nation’s preference.

Ideally, the deal would have required complete destruction of the warheads; it is almost inconceivable that America’s security situation could change so drastically as to necessitate the redeployment of thousands of nuclear missiles. It was promising, however, that Bush acceded to Putin’s request for a formal treaty instead of an informal agreement—this should prevent the former Cold War rivals from reversing course.

This treaty represents a major step forward for both nations. In the post-Cold War world, Russia is no longer a threat to American security; Russia is now one of America’s allies, and the missile deal reflects this positive development.

Slowly but surely, Bush and Putin are erasing the lingering vestiges of Cold War hostility. This landmark reduction in arms stockpiles shows their commitment to maintaining a lasting friendship between the two countries.

We trust the U.S. Senate will quickly ratify the treaty; the Russian parliament should do the same. Those will be the final steps needed to cement this momentous arms control victory.