Russia may be removed from the list of priority threats to U.S. security
The list of major threats to U.S. national security may no longer include Russia. This was reported on Tuesday, December 20, by the American magazine Foreign Policy, with reference to the analytical note of the Pentagon at the disposal of the journalists.
According to the magazine, the document was drawn up based on recommendations submitted to the Ministry of Defense by a representative of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Among the main tasks in the field of defense, the memorandum includes the fight against the so-called Islamic State organization in Syria and Iraq, the development of a new cyber security strategy and the elimination of the budget deficit. It also includes consultations on the issue of relations with China and North Korea.
According to the magazine, the document may be indicative of changes in the course of U.S. foreign policy although Trump’s representative noted that the memorandum was not comprehensive.
Possible liberalization of relations with Moscow could cause stiff opposition from the military and a number of influential Republicans. For instance, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford told Congress, "If you want to talk about a country that may be an existential threat to the United States, then I would name Russia.”
The Republican "hawks" in Congress, including Marco Rubio of Florida and John McCain of Arizona also promised to oppose a softer line against Russia.