Russia has become a threat to US interests

• US Interest #1: "Countering global proliferation of arms", Well I do not argree with this for two reasons, one , here is a quote from our own government."We need to take account of what is working in our relationship with Russia but also to be very clear about where we disagree with the Russian leadership -- whether it's on the lack of democracy inside Russia itself, the declining fortunes of the democrats in the Russian political spectrum; whether it's on Russia's attempts to, we think, be overbearing at times in their relations with their neighbors; or whether it's the recent Russian reaction to our attempt to establish a modern missile defense system in Europe, not aimed at the Russians themselves, of course, but aimed at the threats that emanate from Iran and other countries to the south of Russia. A balanced picture of the U.S.-Russian relationship would take account of the following. That on the two major issues that we face globally -- our ability to defend ourselves against terrorist threats, and our ability to restrain countries from becoming nuclear powers -- Russia is one of our strongest partners worldwide", This is from R. Nicolas Burns,Under secretary of political affairs. Russia is our biggest ally in keeping countries from becoming nuclear. They do deal with Iran, but the time period, they were dealing was between 2002-2005. This is a long, time ago, Russia has realized the threat coming from Iran and has stopped it, by stopping trade. • US Interest #2: Sustaining oil and gas prices First off you mention small countries, this are small countries, not larger ones, so how can you compare small countries, to larger countries, you can't. Also Russia was not the only one too inflate prices, everyone did, it is rising because of speculation. Second of all, the majority of Russia's economy is in oil, if they cut it off from their buyers, their larger buyers, they would not have any money and their economy would shatter, they rely too heavily on oil. So they are not going to us it on the U.S., because, we give them money without it, they have no money and they fail, we at least have alternatives. • US Interest #3 Ballistic Defense First off, if they are preventing this interest, then why are we going along with it already, we already have shaken hands with Poland and Czech republic. Also their own Defense secretary, said they . "We have the capability to surpass any antimissile system," said Sergei B. Ivanov, Russia's defense minister. So they really are contradicting themselves, they are not a threat, because since we are pushing forward with this plan, they can't stop it, which does not make them a threat. • US Interest #4 UN Security Council hegemony Yes, they were, but did you know after the new N.I.E. reports from our countries they have rethought their position and soon, are going to impose sanctions. • US Interest #5 Security of US allies This shield is already being built as we speak, and Russia, can't do anything about why, because they just are not a threat and they should not be, we are more friends now, then we ever were in the Cold War and this is not a new war. Now onto my case "That Russia has become a threat to U.S. interests" To clarify the round, we offer the following definitions: Russia: The Federation of Russia Become: Come into existence Threat: A source of danger United States: United States of America Contention 1: A balanced picture Sub Point A: A Friend The US and Russia are strategic partners on a number of different issues. They are often partnered to defeat a common enemy, radical Islamist terrorists. Russia has had its fair share of problems with the same brand of threat we face from radical Islamists. They have been one of our best friends in the War on Terror. Although there is some difference on issues like Iran and Iraq, Russia has been a great ally. Simply put, Russia is more often our friend than an enemy. Sub Point B: Missile Threat, not Most of the recent press has focused on the proposed missile defense system that the US wants to open in Poland and Czechoslovakia. Russia has made the claim that if the defense system is built, they will target their missiles towards our friends in Europe. President Bush himself has downplayed this threat and believes it is unrealistic. Russia is no threat to our friends in Europe. Sub Point C: Russia helps us with Nukes A big threat from Russia in general is their nuclear weapons program. The tremendous buildup of the Cold War left thousands of warheads and tons of bomb-making material. There continues to be a concerted effort by all to secure all of this material. Primarily led by the US, the Russians have taken a number of steps to protect their arsenal. In fact, evidence in the file argues that all the facilities should be safe by 2008. The nuclear threat from Russia has been diminished. They are highly unlikely to sell weapons to terrorists because they would be a likely target. Sub Point D: Iran Up to this point, Russia has provided Iran with non-weapons ready nuclear material. They have been utilized for peaceful, power generating purposes. As you might remember from the December topic, the US Intelligence Estimate stated that Iran hasn't been pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran is not a serious threat to the US, Russia's economic alliance with the country provides no threat to our interests. Conclusion-Russia is not our threat, they are a friend, they work towards are interests and they are not going to let Iran make nuclear weapons. They understand the situation, and they work with us.