I paid no mind to international politics until after G.W. Bush took over the starring role on the world's stage so I always thought it was he who, forseeing the future, briliantly & wisely began forming alliances with the Russians. Until I stumbled upon this: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/05/20020524-3.html "For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 24, 2002 Text of Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty The United States of America and the Russian Federation, hereinafter referred to as the Parties, Embarking upon the path of new relations for a new century and committed to the goal of strengthening their relationship through cooperation...