President George W. Bush recently returned from a trip to China. It was his first trip out of the country since the Sept. 11 attacks, and many Americans questioned if it was a wise choice, considering the present military action and the threat of additional terrorism the United States faces. The trip turned out to be a good choice because Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin moved toward accomplishing similar goals concerning the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Bush continues to surprise some Americans with his diplomatic prowess. Although I have always been a Bush supporter, he continues to amaze me. I had no idea that once elected, he would be so impressive when dealing with the leaders of other nations. This is a skill that America and the world needs during these times of turmoil. The president displayed his ability to work well with other nations after the Sept. 11 tragedy when he rallied many nations behind an American attack on the terror campaigns. It is remarkable that America faces so little worldwide objection to our efforts in Afghanistan. This lack of opposition is a testament to Bush’s ability to unite not only a nation, but also a global community. Now Bush continues to unite as he and Putin put aside the past differences of their nations in an attempt to modify a treaty that time has passed by.
The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty limits the weaponry of both nations. These limits are not all bad, but the treaty stops the testing of an anti-missile system. The United States feels it needs to protect itself from nations or individuals that could use missiles to deliver biological or chemical weapons. Therefore, in response to recent events, it is important that Bush sees this agreement through. The president could simply withdraw from the treaty, but revising it would help Bush and America gain the respect of many Russian leaders-leading to Russia becoming a major ally in the fight against terrorism if Bush is able to maintain a good relationship with Putin.
Americans and Russians have always had a shaky relationship. Post-Cold War diplomacy has yet to see a strong alliance of the two nations, but this past week could lead to that alliance. Both presidents seem to have a mutual respect for one another, almost to the point of coming across as friends in their joint press conference. Bush even referred to Putin as Vladimir in some instances. Putin praised U.S. military action while Bush expressed his appreciation for Russian support. I hope that the admiration that is so evident between these two men will spread through the populations of each nation and lead to a growth of diplomacy between the two countries.
It is good to know that, in times of such worldwide uncertainty, the leaders of our nation and others are able to continue to solve problems that face all mankind. I am proud of our president and of Putin for putting aside past differences and moving forward to make the citizens of the nations they represent safer. Both men have shown intelligence and that they are on a mission to protect their countrymen. These men should be appreciated by the people of their nations and the world.
Two great leaders met in China to discuss the problems of the world they lived in. Later in the year, Bush and Putin will try to put the final touches on the project at Bush’s ranch in Texas. I hope we will see a new alliance formed and a glimpse of the future of relations between the two nations that were once each other’s greatest enemies.
Bush and Putin make progess in china
– Jordon Rinehart