Mark Brzezinski and A Wess Mitchell have published an interesting guest op/ed in the International Herald Tribune which underscores the importance of deepening U.S. and Central European ties during the upcoming signing of the “Prague Treaty” with Russia over strategic nuclear arms reduction.  The fact that Barack Obama will sign this deal with Dmitry Medvedev in Prague is bound to raise discussions over Moscow’s goal of declaring a new “sphere of influence” over Eastern Europe, and the U.S. delegation is bound to face many questions over this issue during their visit.

The symbolism of the location is significant. By choosing a former Soviet satellite, the Obama administration is sending an important message: Contrary to much speculation, U.S. cooperation with Russia under the “reset” will not come at the expense of close U.S. allies in Central Europe.