Sgt. Stryker here. I’ve been thinking a lot about Russia lately. You remember them, right? After the fall of communism people don’t think about them much, but they’re still a mighty force in the world with a lot of nuclear weapons. Not only that, their

Addressing an audience at the New Economic School in Moscow o July 7th, 2009, President Barack Obama spoke about reducing nuclear arsenals, negotiating a missile defense program in Europe, and security topics such as Afghanistan and NATO.

“Together, we can build a world where people are protected, prosperity is enlarged, and our power truly serves progress,” he said. “And it is all in your hands.”

With these words, he talked to the post-Cold War world about the realities of the day.

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“America has an interest in reversing the spread of nuclear weapons and preventing their use. That is why America is committed to stopping nuclear proliferation, and ultimately seeking a world without nuclear weapons,” Obama said. “And while I know this goal won’t be met soon, pursuing it provides the legal and moral foundation to prevent the proliferation and eventual use of nuclear weapons.”

* * *

“I’m pleased that Russia has agreed to allow the United States to supply our coalition forces through your territory,” Obama said. “Neither America nor Russia has an interest in an Afghanistan or Pakistan governed by the Taliban.

* * *

“It is time to work together on behalf of a different future – a future in which we leave behind the great game of the past and the conflict of the present; a future in which all of us contribute to the security of Central Asia,” he said, alluding to the 19th and early 20th century geopolitical competition for Central Asian dominance known as the “Great Game.”

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Operation Enduring Freedom

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, along with approximately 650 Afghan soldiers and police officers from the Afghan national security force, prepare to board CH-53D Sea Stallion and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters at Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan, July 2. The Marines and ANSF are partnered for a major operation in the Helmand province to transition security responsibilities to the Afghan forces. The Marines and ANSF will move into towns and villages along the Helmand River Valley in an effort to secure the population from the threat of the Taliban and other insurgent intimidation and violence. Photo by Philippe E. Chasse

Iraqi Forces Lead Air Assault Operations

U.S. Army Spc. Corey Weinheimer from Clyde, Ohio, with 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, provides security during a joint air assault operation planned and led by the Iraqi army and Iraqi national police in the Ma’dain area east of Baghdad, Iraq, June 26. The Soldiers search for weapons caches and insurgent activity during one of the largest air assault operations conducted in the Multi-National Division – Baghdad area since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

U.S. Army Sgt. Joey Benavides, of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, observes the objective through a rifle mounted advanced combat optic while manning a support by fire position during a joint air assault operation planned and led by the Iraqi army and Iraqi national police in the Ma’dain area, east of Baghdad, Iraq, June 26. Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

U.S. Army Spc. Michael Dedonato of Carnegie, Pa., with 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, monitors a radio during an air assault operation planned and led by the Iraqi army and Iraqi national police in the Ma’dain area east of Baghdad, Iraq, June 26. Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

Iraqi soldiers and U.S. Soldiers of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division wait for helicopters to transport them back to Forward Operating Base Hammer after participating in an air assault operation planned and led by the Iraqi army and Iraqi national police, in the Ma’dain area, east of Baghdad, Iraq, June 26. Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

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