BBC: US to Pull Out From Russia Missile Treaty

Donald Trump claims that Russia is not abiding by the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty and therefore the United States plans withdrawal. “The deal banned ground-launched medium-range missiles, with a range of between 500 and 5,500km (310-3,400 miles),” reports BBC News. Barack Obama, Trump’s predecessor, likewise accused Russia of breaching the treaty but heeded concerns from European leaders “who said such a move could restart an arms race.” Some analysts suggest that new Russian medium-range missiles, capable of reaching some NATO partners in a short period of time, violate the treaty. Russia counters that the US goal is to remain the world’s sole superpower. Trump wants China included in any treaty, and the BBC News concludes that US withdrawal from the tray “marks a significant setback for arms control.” Some US senators suggest the threat from Trump may be simply a bargaining ploy. – YaleGlobal