Bush Breaks Cold War Treaty With Little Russian Response
By Charlie Keenan
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The U.S. Army's "Honest John" missile has the capacity to carry nuclear or conventional warheads.
Photo courtesy of NASA
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Moving along with plans to build a missile-defense shield, the U.S. told Russia it will withdraw from the ABM Treaty in June. It is the first time a U.S. President has broken an important military treaty. But don't think we're headed back to the hyper-superstitious days of the Cold War.
ABM stands for antiballistic missile, a defensive weapon designed to intercept attacking ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles are rockets that can carry nuclear warheads, or bombs. Ballistic missiles can travel thousands of miles and reach a target in 30 minutes.
The 30-year-old treaty has been called "the cornerstone of strategic stability." President Ronald Reagan said it was important in maintaining a peaceful relationship with Russia. "Trust, but verify," Reagan often said, meaning it was okay to trust Russia, but that the U.S. should have a written agreement that can be checked and verified.
Bush's Star Wars
President Bush calls the treaty outdated and a "cold-war relic."
To build a planned missile-defense system in Alaska would be a violation of the 1972 ABM Treaty, which prohibits America and Russia from developing missiles in the sea, outer space, or on mobile equipment on land.
"We must move beyond the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty, a treaty that was written in a different era, for a different enemy,'' said President Bush.
The U.S. gave six months notice that it would withdraw from the treaty last December. The treaty between the two nations will end in June.
Russia's Reaction
Russia called the move "a threat to cooperation" between the two countries, but has not pressed the issue.
"Today's system of international security is largely based on the ABM Treaty of 1972," says Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. "Associated with it is a whole series of other international legal obligations in this sphere."
But Russian officials could have been much angrier. So, why aren't they? Mainly because of money.
The White House also announced plans to make steep cuts in offensive arms that could save Russian rubles. Washington may also push for debt relief for Russia, which could help the country's effort to join the World Trade Organization—key to its continued economic development.
