Topic: Institute of USA-Canada Studies

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Russia's Arctic 'sea grab'

Russia is expected within months to claim to the United Nations its right to annex about 380,000 square miles of the Arctic.
New US-Russia arms race? Battle lines grow over missile defense.

Defense Secretary Gates and his Russian counterpart will sit down for high-level talks Thursday. US plans for antimissile deployments are spurring threats that Russia might withdraw from the New START nuclear treaty.
Biden's Moscow visit reaffirms US-Russia 'reset'

Vice President Biden's two-day visit to Russia was aimed at bolstering economic ties. He also called on the Kremlin to take a harder line against corruption.
With Russian ratification of New START, what's next for US-Russia relations?

The New START treaty, which Russia's Federation Council ratified today, is a major step in resetting US-Russia relations, yet many major issues remain.
US Senate ratification of New START treaty keeps US-Russia 'reset' on track

The New START treaty could be ratified in Russia as early as Friday. But many pitfalls remain amid the US-Russia attempt to move away from cold war constraints.
Why NATO's path to missile defense runs through Russia

Some security experts say the most urgent quest of our time is convincing Moscow to allow the US to defend the West with a missile defense shield.
Terrorism & Security
Hillary Clinton to continue push for START vote

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced she will press for a vote on the START nuclear arms treaty, despite opposition from Sen. John Kyl, a key Republican legislator.
Obama's US-Russia reset hangs on Senate approval of START treaty

If Obama fails to make good on his weekend vow to get Senate approval of the START nuclear arms control by January, Russia could turn toward China.
Russia's Putin says he wants peaceful division of Arctic

At a conference that included the US, Canada, Denmark, and Norway, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the area should be a 'zone of peace.' But Russia is bolstering its claim to a large tract of the Arctic seabed.
What Russia gains from US-Russia spy swap

Igor Sutyagin is one of several accused US spies is to be traded later today for Anna Chapman and 10 other alleged Russian agents held in the US. A quick spy swap, say Russian analysts, means Russian spies will be home before they can spill many secrets.
Russia: sanctions unlikely to delay Iran nuclear power plant

Russia may back tougher, US-sponsored Iran sanctions, but it still expects to finish building the Bushehr nuclear power plant and selling Iran advanced weapons systems.
Quartet host Russia: A new broker for Israel peace?

Amid a US-Israel flap, some see an opportunity for Middle East Quartet host Russia to become a bigger player in Israel peace talks. Moscow has strong ties with both Israelis and Palestinians.
Why Prime Minister Putin may be throwing a wrench in US-Russia arms talks

Russia Prime Minister Putin said there were problems with arms talks aimed at finalizing a new strategic arms reduction deal. Is it a hardball tactic or a bid to derail the negotiations altogether?
Move over NATO: Russia pushes new security treaty for Europe

Russia, sidelined at the cold war’s end, has drafted a new security treaty that would give it more input and reduce tensions with NATO aspirants on its border, such as Georgia.
Missile shield shift opens common ground for Russia and US

Strategists say that President Barack Obama's decision to scrap a controversial missile shield for Eastern Europe has mollified Russia, and could open the door for cooperation against common nuclear threats.
Russia on Nobel Peace Prize: Obama thawing 'second cold war'

Russians are surprised, but largely welcoming of Obama's prize.
Global News Blog
Russia's response to US missile defense shield shift

Moscow has long opposed a missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. But the US shouldn't expect too much in return.
Obama's visit to Russia stirs hope for a renewed partnership

Since President Obama took office, twice as many Russians report 'positive attitudes' toward the US. But skepticism continues to dominate ties between Washington and the Kremlin.
As NATO leaders meet, how will they deal with Russia?

Some advocate inviting Russia to join. Russian President Medvedev wants a new security architecture that includes his country.
Russia sees chance to boost US ties

Obama's outreach to Iran lifts hopes that the US and Russia can find more common ground in their bids to get Iran to curtail its nuclear program.
Bush-Putin summit in Sochi signals new tone.

A deal on missile defense could be part of a 'strategic framework' the presidents plan to sign Sunday, legacies in mind.
In Moscow, Rice signals warmer US-Russia ties

High-level talks on contentious issues such as missile defense had a markedly different tone from past rhetoric.
It's Russian election season. So where's the campaign?

The race to replace Vladimir Putin officially starts Saturday, but Mr. Putin's handpicked successor has declined to campaign or publicly debate his opponents.