Friday, March 26, 2010

Being President Barack Obama

Today after a year of negotiations President Obama and President Dmitri A. Medvedev agreed to sign a new arms control treaty. The New York Times reports that "they will fly to Prague to sign the treaty on April 8 in a ceremony designed to showcase improved relations between the two countries."

President Obama made the announcement at the White House today. "With this agreement, the United States and Russia, the two largest nuclear powers in the world, also send a clear signal that we intend to lead," he said. "By upholding our own commitments under the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, we strengthen our global efforts to stop the spread of these weapons, and to ensure that other nations meet their own responsibilities."

Will this agreement affect positive relations with Iran?

6 comments:

Big Mark 243 said...

No because the Iranians believe that having nuclear arms is the key to keeping back the influence of the US and deter Israel from using their in the region.

Judith Ellis said...

Yes, Mark, I understand your point. There is also something to be said for theirs. I assume their position is if others have nuclear weapons in the region why can't we? Of course, Israel has never admitted to having nuclear weapons, but everyone agrees that it does. And, of course, radicalism seems to be in the eye of the beholder. That said, historically Russia has had relations with Iran and China that America has not had. This alone may affect Iran's position with abiding by international law. Then there is Israel to consider. My hope is that if America and Russia, two of the most powerful nuclear countries can follow through with their Nonproliferation Treaty, maybe there is hope for others, including Pakistan, Iran and Israel. That seems like a big hope doesn't it? President Obama indicated this. On another note, Bill Gates seems to be investing in nuclear power for constructive purposes. Although, it is not clear about where the waste will be stored. Iran has claimed that they too are developing nuclear power for the betterment of their society but no one believes this.

zorro said...

The latest on this is that republicans might vote against it. To get ratified, it needs 67 votes in the Senate.

Judith Ellis said...

You gotta be kidding, Zorro. Please say that you are...please! Well, if John McCain gets his wish from here on out it will be "no" as if there was anything different before. I have to do a bit more research about process. I'm sure there are ways of getting around such things when there is just such opposition and obstruction. The American people will clearly see the Republicans for who they are if they vote against this treaty. I'll do a bit of research, but do you have a link? Or, did you hear of it via broadcast news?

zorro said...

I'm not kidding. I think John Kyle from Arizona said he needs to read the treaty and then he'll decide. Countdown made a big deal about that. I guess we'll see.

septembermom said...

I want to share your big hope that others follow. I need to hope for a more peaceful world. Don't we all?