Volu m e II - Purdue University Calumet

espect and acknowledgement of each other’s perspective” ("U.S. - Russian Bilateral…”). The B.P.C. is a
promising sign for the future of U.S.-Russian cooperation and a useful mechanism for deepening relations.
Much progress has also been made on issues of mutual concern. On April 8, 2010, Obama and
Medvedev signed the New START agreement to reduce the nuclear arsenals of both states. Both leaders
expressed their desire and the need for future cooperation (Bilefsky). In December the Senate approved the
treaty, followed by the Duma in January (“After 17 Years…”). In May 2010, President Obama resubmitted
the U.S.-Russian 123 agreement for Congressional review, which would allow U.S. companies to share
nuclear technology, conduct research and development, and bid for civil nuclear projects with Russian firms
(“Obama Plans Revival...”). President Bush had originally submitted the agreement, but withdrew it in
August of 2008 following Russia’s intervention in Georgia. Following the end of a 90-day review period,
the U.S.-Russia 123 Agreement went into effect at the end of last year (Rejansky).
Reciprocation
Since the U.S. has begun focusing on improving relations with Russia, Russia seems to be
reciprocating. Russia has strengthened its efforts to support and implement sanctions against Iran. The
United States and many of its allies had been concerned about Russian arms deals with Iran, but Russia has
said that it interprets the latest sanctions to include advanced air defense systems as part of the ban on
exports of major weapons systems to Iran, meaning that Russia will not be completing its planned sales to
Iran ("Russia Ends Talk…”). The United States and Russia have also had success in bilateral negotiations
concerning Russia’s possible admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Russia has been
attempting to join the WTO since the early 1990s, and support from the United States is crucial for
accession into the organization. Russia will however have to solve issues with other trade partners such as
Georgia, which will likely be a long process in itself ("After 17 Years…”). In late November, at the NATO
meeting in Lisbon, several key agreements were reached with Russia. A missile defense shield that will
likely link to a Russian missile defense system was tentatively agreed upon, as was a restructuring of the
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