10 reasons why Russia still matters

First, Russia remains the only nation that can erase the United States from the map in 30 minutes. As every president since John F. Kennedy has recognized, Russia’s cooperation is critical to averting nuclear war.

Second, Russia is our most consequential partner in preventing nuclear terrorism. Through a combination of more than $11 billion in U.S. aid, provided through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program, and impressive Russian professionalism, two decades after the collapse of the “evil empire,” not one nuclear weapon has been found loose.

Third, Russia plays an essential role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and missile-delivery systems. As Washington seeks to stop Iran’s drive toward nuclear weapons, Russian choices to sell or withhold sensitive technologies are the difference between failure and the possibility of success.

Fourth, Russian support in sharing intelligence and cooperating in operations remains essential to the U.S. war to destroy Al Qaeda and combat other transnational terrorist groups.

Fifth, Russia provides a vital supply line to 100,000 U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan. As U.S. relations with Pakistan have deteriorated, the Russian lifeline has grown ever more important and now accounts for half all daily deliveries.

Sixth, Russia is the world’s largest oil producer and second largest gas producer. Over the past decade, Russia has added more oil and gas exports to world energy markets than any other nation. Most major energy transport routes from Eurasia start in Russia or cross its nine time zones. As citizens of a country that imports two of every three of the 20 million barrels of oil that fuel U.S. cars daily, Americans feel Russia’s impact at our gas pumps.

Seventh, Moscow is an important player in today’s international system. It is no accident that Russia is one of the five veto-wielding, permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, as well as a member of the G-8 and G-20. A Moscow more closely aligned with U.S. goals would be significant in the balance of power to shape an environment in which China can emerge as a global power without overturning the existing order.
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Eighth, Russia is the largest country on Earth by land area, abutting China on the East, Poland in the West and the United States across the Arctic. This territory provides transit corridors for supplies to global markets whose stability is vital to the U.S. economy.

Ninth, Russia’s brainpower is reflected in the fact that it has won more Nobel Prizes for science than all of Asia, places first in most math competitions and dominates the world chess masters list. The only way U.S. astronauts can now travel to and from the International Space Station is to hitch a ride on Russian rockets. The co-founder of the most advanced digital company in the world, Google, is Russian-born Sergei Brin.

Tenth, Russia’s potential as a spoiler is difficult to exaggerate. Consider what a Russian president intent on frustrating U.S. international objectives could do — from stopping the supply flow to Afghanistan to selling S-300 air defense missiles to Tehran to joining China in preventing U.N. Security Council resolutions.

So next time you hear a policymaker dismissing Russia with rhetoric about “who cares?” ask them to identify nations that matter more to U.S. success, or failure, in advancing our national interests.

11th reason.
Russia should tag along, otherwise we might get mad & Russia ends up hanging dry.

Certainly, another reason to accept Russia as reliable partner, see above.

I've said that already, many times! A stable and successful Russia IS in our best interests.

"Russia is a player whose choices affect our vital interests in nuclear security and energy. It is key to supplying 100,000 U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

Partially, you are correct.
Just one thing to add.
Should not Iran decides for themselves whether they want nuclear weapons or not ?

coolncrazy wrote:

First, Russia remains the only nation that can erase the United States from the map in 30 minutes. As every president since John F. Kennedy has recognized, Russia’s cooperation is critical to averting nuclear war.
Second, Russia is our most consequential partner in preventing nuclear terrorism. Through a combination of more than $11 billion in U.S. aid, provided through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program, and impressive Russian professionalism, two decades after the collapse of the “evil empire,” not one nuclear weapon has been found loose.
Third, Russia plays an essential role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and missile-delivery systems. As Washington seeks to stop Iran’s drive toward nuclear weapons, Russian choices to sell or withhold sensitive technologies are the difference between failure and the possibility of success.
Fourth, Russian support in sharing intelligence and cooperating in operations remains essential to the U.S. war to destroy Al Qaeda and combat other transnational terrorist groups.
Fifth, Russia provides a vital supply line to 100,000 U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan. As U.S. relations with Pakistan have deteriorated, the Russian lifeline has grown ever more important and now accounts for half all daily deliveries.
Sixth, Russia is the world’s largest oil producer and second largest gas producer. Over the past decade, Russia has added more oil and gas exports to world energy markets than any other nation. Most major energy transport routes from Eurasia start in Russia or cross its nine time zones. As citizens of a country that imports two of every three of the 20 million barrels of oil that fuel U.S. cars daily, Americans feel Russia’s impact at our gas pumps.
Seventh, Moscow is an important player in today’s international system. It is no accident that Russia is one of the five veto-wielding, permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, as well as a member of the G-8 and G-20. A Moscow more closely aligned with U.S. goals would be significant in the balance of power to shape an environment in which China can emerge as a global power without overturning the existing order.
Continue Reading
Eighth, Russia is the largest country on Earth by land area, abutting China on the East, Poland in the West and the United States across the Arctic. This territory provides transit corridors for supplies to global markets whose stability is vital to the U.S. economy.
Ninth, Russia’s brainpower is reflected in the fact that it has won more Nobel Prizes for science than all of Asia, places first in most math competitions and dominates the world chess masters list. The only way U.S. astronauts can now travel to and from the International Space Station is to hitch a ride on Russian rockets. The co-founder of the most advanced digital company in the world, Google, is Russian-born Sergei Brin.
Tenth, Russia’s potential as a spoiler is difficult to exaggerate. Consider what a Russian president intent on frustrating U.S. international objectives could do — from stopping the supply flow to Afghanistan to selling S-300 air defense missiles to Tehran to joining China in preventing U.N. Security Council resolutions.
So next time you hear a policymaker dismissing Russia with rhetoric about “who cares?” ask them to identify nations that matter more to U.S. success, or failure, in advancing our national interests.

.

Good reasons indeed.
Romanov.

coolncrazy wrote:

First, Russia remains the only nation that can erase the United States from the map in 30 minutes. As every president since John F. Kennedy has recognized, Russia’s cooperation is critical to averting nuclear war.
Second, Russia is our most consequential partner in preventing nuclear terrorism. Through a combination of more than $11 billion in U.S. aid, provided through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program, and impressive Russian professionalism, two decades after the collapse of the “evil empire,” not one nuclear weapon has been found loose.
Third, Russia plays an essential role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and missile-delivery systems. As Washington seeks to stop Iran’s drive toward nuclear weapons, Russian choices to sell or withhold sensitive technologies are the difference between failure and the possibility of success.
Fourth, Russian support in sharing intelligence and cooperating in operations remains essential to the U.S. war to destroy Al Qaeda and combat other transnational terrorist groups.
Fifth, Russia provides a vital supply line to 100,000 U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan. As U.S. relations with Pakistan have deteriorated, the Russian lifeline has grown ever more important and now accounts for half all daily deliveries.
Sixth, Russia is the world’s largest oil producer and second largest gas producer. Over the past decade, Russia has added more oil and gas exports to world energy markets than any other nation. Most major energy transport routes from Eurasia start in Russia or cross its nine time zones. As citizens of a country that imports two of every three of the 20 million barrels of oil that fuel U.S. cars daily, Americans feel Russia’s impact at our gas pumps.
Seventh, Moscow is an important player in today’s international system. It is no accident that Russia is one of the five veto-wielding, permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, as well as a member of the G-8 and G-20. A Moscow more closely aligned with U.S. goals would be significant in the balance of power to shape an environment in which China can emerge as a global power without overturning the existing order.
Continue Reading
Eighth, Russia is the largest country on Earth by land area, abutting China on the East, Poland in the West and the United States across the Arctic. This territory provides transit corridors for supplies to global markets whose stability is vital to the U.S. economy.
Ninth, Russia’s brainpower is reflected in the fact that it has won more Nobel Prizes for science than all of Asia, places first in most math competitions and dominates the world chess masters list. The only way U.S. astronauts can now travel to and from the International Space Station is to hitch a ride on Russian rockets. The co-founder of the most advanced digital company in the world, Google, is Russian-born Sergei Brin.
Tenth, Russia’s potential as a spoiler is difficult to exaggerate. Consider what a Russian president intent on frustrating U.S. international objectives could do — from stopping the supply flow to Afghanistan to selling S-300 air defense missiles to Tehran to joining China in preventing U.N. Security Council resolutions.
So next time you hear a policymaker dismissing Russia with rhetoric about “who cares?” ask them to identify nations that matter more to U.S. success, or failure, in advancing our national interests.

Oh please. USA would bomb your oil fields and gas fields so you would be starving there. You can wipe them out for sure but not in 30 minutes. HA!

Cassandra_ wrote:

"Russia is a player whose choices affect our vital interests in nuclear security and energy. It is key to supplying 100,000 U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

But the nation most key to American success in Afghanistan is Pakistan and they a) are pro-Taliban (even hiding Bin Laden from their "allies") and b) are the nation most likely to provide terrorists with nukes. Iran is Washington's main concern in that region because...?

Serbian pig farmer don't you worry your empty little head on nuclear affairs. Stick to collecting fleas in that motel you inhabit.

Pesky army wrote:

Partially, you are correct.
Just one thing to add.
Should not Iran decides for themselves whether they want nuclear weapons or not ?

No. We have to be sure they're not going to use them against us, against Israel, against their neighbors... basically against anyone.
The whole point of having nuclear weapons is not using them.

neutral observer wrote:

<quoted text>
But the nation most key to American success in Afghanistan is Pakistan and they a) are pro-Taliban (even hiding Bin Laden from their "allies") and b) are the nation most likely to provide terrorists with nukes. Iran is Washington's main concern in that region because...?

LOL you're asking me?! Oh wow... ummm....the hostages they took back in the early 80's?
Iran already has power and influence in that region and it's growing so it's a threat. We don't want Iran calling the shots.

Cassandra_ wrote:

<quoted text>LOL you're asking me?! Oh wow... ummm....the hostages they took back in the early 80's?
Iran already has power and influence in that region and it's growing so it's a threat. We don't want Iran calling the shots.

But if you look to 9/11 with Al Quieda and the Taliban as the real enemy in that region Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are their major supporters. Both Shia Iran and the -stans to the north have plenty of reason to oppose their brand of Sunni/Wahhabi extremism. Everyone knows Pakistan's ISI is in bed with the Islamic terrorists.

Yet for some reason Washington pretends our enemies are our allies and instead tries to blame Ahmedinejad for...?

uther pendragon wrote:

<quoted text>
But if you look to 9/11 with Al Quieda and the Taliban as the real enemy in that region Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are their major supporters. Both Shia Iran and the -stans to the north have plenty of reason to oppose their brand of Sunni/Wahhabi extremism. Everyone knows Pakistan's ISI is in bed with the Islamic terrorists.
Yet for some reason Washington pretends our enemies are our allies and instead tries to blame Ahmedinejad for...?

We can't take sides between the Shiites and the Sunni Muslims, it isn't supposed to make a difference. Freedom of religion and all that.
I don't understand why we side with - and protect - Saudi Arabia. Just because SA sells us their oil? We can't get oil anywhere else? Is it worth it?
And it looks as though Pakistan is getting far less support from us. Bin Laden and all.

Cassandra_ wrote:

<quoted text>We can't take sides between the Shiites and the Sunni Muslims, it isn't supposed to make a difference. Freedom of religion and all that.
I don't understand why we side with - and protect - Saudi Arabia. Just because SA sells us their oil? We can't get oil anywhere else? Is it worth it?
And it looks as though Pakistan is getting far less support from us. Bin Laden and all.

None of those nations have freedom of religion. Pakistan already has nukes and its government and military are full of pro Al Quieda people. So Washington literally has to look the other way... and not alienate the other elements in the Pakistani government.

So I doubt we are ever going to admit they are the major sponsor of terror in that region.

uther pendragon wrote:

<quoted text>
None of those nations have freedom of religion.

LOL you know what I meant. We can't take sides based on their religion.

uther pendragon wrote:

Pakistan already has nukes and its government and military are full of pro Al Quieda people. So Washington literally has to look the other way... and not alienate the other elements in the Pakistani government.

There has to be some other reason. China has 'always' had nukes, the Soviets had nukes during the cold war...

uther pendragon wrote:

So I doubt we are ever going to admit they are the major sponsor of terror in that region.

If we're supporting them, aren't we supporting terrorism too?

Cassandra_ wrote:

<quoted text>LOL you know what I meant. We can't take sides based on their religion.
<quoted text>There has to be some other reason. China has 'always' had nukes, the Soviets had nukes during the cold war...
<quoted text>If we're supporting them, aren't we supporting terrorism too?

Hmmmmm

Cassandra_ wrote:

<quoted text>LOL you know what I meant. We can't take sides based on their religion.

As their radical ideology is based on their interpretation of Islam why not? Al Quieda and the Taliban are our enemies because...?

Cassandra_ wrote:

<quoted text>There has to be some other reason. China has 'always' had nukes, the Soviets had nukes during the cold war...

Moskva was Washington's designated enemy post WW II. China is a perfect example of a nation Washington tip-toes around. It is Beijing where the communists are still firmly in power. Notice how in the USA even the press treats them better than the Russian democracy?

[QUOTE who="Cassandra_"] <quoted text>If we're supporting them, aren't we supporting terrorism too?

Yes. Washington has a long history of that.

uther pendragon wrote:

<quoted text>
As their radical ideology is based on their interpretation of Islam why not? Al Quieda and the Taliban are our enemies because...?
<quoted text>
Yes. Washington has a long history of that.

Whenever I try to divide a post into thirds this sort of thing happens.)-;

uther pendragon wrote:

<quoted text>
Whenever I try to divide a post into thirds this sort of thing happens.)-;

Ask Pouk for help. I've been told he's an expert in splitting posts, although he may demand a high price since he's been very reluctant to share his secrets with us in the past. ;-)