The Patriot Post® · Russia Violates Treaty, State Dept. Shrugs

Is this the Obama administration’s “smart power” and “reset,” not embarrassing Russia as it violates nuclear arms treaties? Every year, the State Department releases a report about how the U.S. and other countries are upholding or violating the various treaties governing arms control, nonproliferation and disarmament. In this year’s report, State discloses, “In 2014, the Russian Federation continued to be in violation of its obligations under the INF Treaty not to possess, produce, or flight-test a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) with a range capability of 500 km to 5,500 km.” Disturbing news, right? Not to State, which believes the violation is not a big deal. The report continues: “The Administration believes that it is in the mutual security interests of all the Parties to the INF Treaty that Russia and the other 11 successor states to the Soviet Union remain Parties to the Treaty and comply with their obligations.” Obviously, if Russia believed it was in its best interest to stop development of intermediate-range missiles, it would stop. Furthermore, the government knew of the INF violations for three years before disclosing them publicly. U.S. officials lied about Russia and continue to obfuscate the extent of Russia’s violations. Guess it’s easier than, well, wielding power smartly.