Topic: Start Treaty

President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will adhere to nuclear arms limits for one more year after the New START deal expires in February. The treaty, originally signed in 2010, limits the U.S. and Russia to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each. While participation was suspended in 2023, the commitment to maintain current levels is seen as a de-escalation move despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Russia suspends its participation in the New START nuclear arms control treaty. Following the announcement, Vladimir Putin held a massive rally in a Moscow stadium attended by an estimated 200,000 people to demonstrate national unity.

Representative Maxine Waters continues her public campaign for impeachment, urging millennials to "stay woke" regarding Russian collusion. The discussion critiques the prevailing narrative that Russia is a definitive enemy, pointing out continued cooperation on the International Space Station. Analysts suggest the media is "easing history" into the public consciousness to justify a hardline stance against Moscow.

U.S. military strategy in Europe is shifting toward rotational brigade combat teams to satisfy NATO Article 5 commitments. Concurrently, Amendment 50 halts nuclear threat reduction activities with Russia until the Kremlin proves it is not supporting the Syrian government's suppression of its people.

Valerie Jarrett's appearance on "Meet the Press" is analyzed, with the hosts suggesting she is the primary power broker in the Obama administration. Jarrett discussed the START Treaty and the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," despite the latter still requiring a lengthy certification process. The resignation of Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is also covered, specifically President Obama's comment that Gibbs' $175,000 salary constituted "modest pay."

Analysis of the new START Treaty suggests that while the United States will reduce its nuclear warheads, Russia may actually be permitted to increase its levels. Mikhail Margulov of the Russian Federation noted these discrepancies in a television interview. The hosts speculate that the treaty was less about disarmament and more about securing market access for American financial companies like Visa and Mastercard in Russia.

An examination of the START Treaty suggests the agreement functions more as an arms trade and price-fixing pact than a disarmament treaty. Specific language regarding "space launch facilities" for ICBMs sparks a theory about the existence of weaponized satellites or lunar bases.

The New START treaty between the United States and Russia is highlighted as an underreported but significant arms control agreement. President Obama and Bill Clinton have both publicly advocated for its ratification. The hosts express distrust of the deal, citing the influence of organized crime in the Russian government.