Editorial: Pact between U.S., Russia offers hope

Wednesday, May 15, 2002 | 9:11 a.m.

At first blush, the nuclear arms agreement between the United States and Russia seems impressive. Both countries have agreed to slash the weapons in their nuclear arsenal by two-thirds, a reduction of 1,700 to 2,200 nuclear warheads within the next 10 years. But the proposed treaty, which still would have to be approved by the U.S. Senate, leaves quite a bit of wiggle room. The reductions wouldn't have to begin until 2012, which just happens to be the same year that the treaty would expire if neither country wants to renew it. In addition, the United States wouldn't have to destroy the dismantled weapons, allowing them to be stored so they could be reassembled for use on missiles or submarines.

Still, the treaty is a step forward -- however cautiously -- and a far cry from the arms race during the Cold War. If President Bush and President Vladimir Putin build on the trust that they appear to have for each other, stricter accords than the one they expect to sign next week could be in the offing. Russia, which has supported the United States in the aftermath of Sept. 11, seems determined to improve relations with the West. In the interest of greater stability around the world, Russia's integration with other industrialized nations is essential.