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Kissinger, Powell, et Al.: Ratify New START

Kissinger, Powell, Baker call on Senate for 'essential' vote

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 2, 2010 12:15 PM CST

(Newser) – The New START treaty got some serious firepower behind it this morning, with the past five Republican secretaries of state writing a Washington Post op-ed in its support. "Although each of us had initial questions about New START," write Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, James Baker III, Lawrence Eagleburger and Colin Powell, "administration officials have provided reasonable answers" and concessions, resulting in "compelling reasons Republicans should support ratification"

Nuclear commanders past and present, Republican-appointed Robert Gates, and other top officials agree that the Obama- and Medvedev-signed treaty “is essential for our national defense.” The treaty gives us a “window into Russia's nuclear arsenal,” while forging a cooperative bond between the US and Russia to deal with “rogue states” like Iran and North Korea, they write. They don’t, however, recommend an “exact timing” for Senate ratification.

[Images (2)]

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Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, left, with President Barack Obama, talks with reporters about importance of ratifying the New START Treaty, Dec. 1, 2010. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell. (AP Photo/NBC, William B. Plowman)

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The most important thing is to have bipartisan support for the treaty, as previous nuclear arms treaties did. - Henry A. Kissinger, George P. Shultz, James A. Baker III, Lawrence S. Eagleburger and Colin L. Powell

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 11 comments

opinion8it

Dec 2, 2010 12:52 PM CST

Isn't it called extortion when someone treatens to make you less safe unless you give them what they want?

zdaydream

Dec 2, 2010 12:42 PM CST

It makes no difference what it is. Unless it's a continuance of the bush tax breaks, the GOP isn't looking at it except to hold a filibuster or "NO" vote. We all know what the republicans believe in "ME!!" Screw the country, screw their constituents; but get those tax cuts for life. <:-)

vendetta

Dec 2, 2010 12:26 PM CST

Kissenger, and Powell? How did they occupy the same space with all those strings?

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Kissinger, Powell, et Al.: Ratify New START

Kissinger, Powell, Baker call on Senate for 'essential' vote

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iran • Russia • North Korea • nuclear program • treaty • Colin Powell • Henry Kissinger • Dmitry Medvedev • nuclear arsenal • Start Treaty • James Baker • President Obama • Iran nuclear weapons program

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Obama Ready to Cut Nukes Again

President issues nuclear warnings to North Korea, Iran

US, Russia Reach Deal on Cutting Nukes

Obama, Medvedev to sign treaty in 2 weeks in Prague

Russia Shifts on Iran, But Why Remains Unclear

Did Obama convince Medvedev, or is it quid pro quo, Ambinder wonders

Missile Shield Useless Against Iran's Arsenal: Study

System wouldn't protect Europe; Iran far from nuclear missiles

Obama, Medvedev Will Talk Arms Treaty Tomorrow

But they're not expected to sign a final accord to replace 'START' pact

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