There are people in America who are sympathetic to the 'reset' (of the New Start Treaty). There are others who shudder at the thought of it and think all evil is concentrated in the Russian Federation. This is just democracy at work. Still, I think American society and its establishment will have enough tact and self-control to continue this path.
Russian President, Dmitri Medvedev
Russia's President called the New Start treaty a cornerstone of security, speaking warmly of President Obama and the just ratified treaty.
Medvedev's awareness of the American political scene cannot be but helpful to us. On the one hand, we should be grateful for knowledgeable statement such as this. On the other hand, the differences between that world and its government need not blind us. Smart policy, such as the New Start treaty, is clearly a step forward. Astute congressional members are aware that moves in the direction of Russian rapprochement need not imply naivete, no matter what the history of relationships.