A series of interesting stories were featured in GSN today. It is a pretty good oveview of strategic security news, though US focused. 

First of all, it looks like Indian PM Singh has finally got the support he needs for the 123 agreement with the US. This is pretty important, as there was a distinct possibility that the deal would expire with the end of the Bush term. The socialists have finally come around to the deal, which was highly favourable to India anyway. Now we wait to see how Australia will act in the NSG and afterwards.

It also looks like the Czech republic is about to sing the deal with the US on deploying the missile defence radar on their territory. Apparently there is also a possibility that Poland will sign off on the deal to host the missile interceptors. This sort of thing is obviously going to piss off Russia, as it is directed at their missile arsenal. The fact it is in former Warsaw Pact states only makes it worse, it is just a continuation of the US offensives of the 90s, as they moved in on Russia's former territory. The accompanying expansion of NATO was a similar thing. This percieved domination of Russia is still a sore spot, and aspects of Putin's presidency can almost be seen as a reaction to this period.

The report also highlights the fact that Russia and the US agree on points such as Iran and North Korea's nuclear programs. The established nuclear powers dont want any others to join the game. Thats what drove the creation of the NPT, and what is driving some in their push for nuclear disarmament. The focus on non-proliferation is obviously driven by this, but the push for disarmament also to some extent wishes to cement the current strategic status. The US would still be the most powerful military in the world without nukes, and they would also have one less threat, and strategic equaliser, to worry about.