From the New York Times: In his keynote speech, he said the United States wanted to work with Russia bilaterally as well as together in third countries. That point was noted here, for there is a great deal of lingering mutual mistrust as to the two countries’ intentions, particularly in what is called “the post-Soviet space.” Changing such attitudes will be difficult, but a start must be made somewhere.

As I see it, one area where the United States and Russia could engage each other in a useful dialogue is relations in Europe. This could help flesh out the idea, put forward by President Dmitry Medvedev, for a new pan-European security treaty. Indeed, the structure of security in Europe can be designed only if our two nations are among its architects.