On air: Is it important that the US and Russia trust each other?
| 16:30 UK time, Thursday, 23 December 2010
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This topic was discussed on World Have Your Say on 23 December 2010. Listen to the programme.
"This is the most significant arms control agreement in nearly two decades and it will make us safer and reduce our nuclear arsenals along with Russia"
They were President Obama's words referring to the New Start treaty was approved by 71 votes to 26 in the US Senate. Russia says it may begin ratifying it on Friday.
Under the deal, Russia and the US will cut deployed nuclear warheads by 30% and establish a new system for monitoring and verification. Here's exactly how it differs from previous treaties.
As significant as this treaty is, many people say it's what it between Russia and the US which is more important. After a period of strained relations is this what will help
ÌýSenior Republicans aren't convinced. They argue that the treaty could compromise US national security, handing Russia influence over American missile defence strategy, lacked sufficient procedures to verify Russia's adherence and deserved more time for consideration.
In contrast, President Obama has argued that ratification of New Start was vital to US national security and made the agreement a key plank of the president's much-heralded "re-set" of relations with Russia. The White House is also counting on Russia to help pressure Iran over its nuclear ambitions.
Jimoh in Nigeria emailed the 91Èȱ¬
"I think the treaty is a justification of nobel peace awarded to Obama."
Ankur in Bahrain posted on our Facebook page
"The Americans evidently have numerous nuclear warheads placed all over Europe. How can one expect Russia to trust America?"Mulya in Uganda writes on Facebook
Is this a re-set of relations for the two countries? Indeed a victory for President Obama? Thirty years ago it would have been argued that it was the most important relationship in the world. Today is that still the case? How important is that relationship to world stability?"In the end, this is just another piece of paper destined for eternal idleness."
