Obama weakening as START ratification looms

Obama weakening as START ratification looms


The START treaty is US President Obama's crown jewel when it comes to his foreign policy objective; however that is in danger due to the GOP holding it up in Congress. If the treaty is not passed before year's end, it will be in major danger of failing once more Republicans join Congress. The Hill columnist Brent Budowsky is optimistic the START treaty will be passed through Congress because many Republicans understand the importance of the treaty

START of a lame duck Congress

START of a lame duck Congress


US President Barack Obama met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev last week during the G20 summit to assure him that the treaty would be passed through Congress. However, it has been held up in Congress by Republicans and specifically John Kyle of Arizona who is the expert on arms control for the Republican Party. Lawrence Korb points out that the Republicans want modifications to the treaty and he believes the treaty will be difficult to pass in this short time frame.