Future of the Treaty on Open Skies
Categories: Military, News
Before you start wondering about the future of the Treaty on Open Skies, you might find yourself wondering, exactly…what is the Treaty on Open Skies? Why is this treaty even remotely important? Let’s give the simple gist of the treaty. Basically any signatory country to the treaty can overfly any other signatory country with very specific surveillance equipment that all signatory countries have agreed to. The purpose of this treaty was to ensure that neither NATO nor Warsaw Pact countries were planning for an attack on the other. It was originally proposed in 1955 by President Eisenhower, but ultimately the Soviet Union was not on board. When the treaty finally did become…in essence “real” it was done in the ’90s by President George H.W. Bush. It was then subject to an extensive ratification process by Russia and came into effect in 2002.
Now though, there is the issue of non-compliance by Russia. Russia seems to be blocking flights over the city of Kaliningrad, which should be allowed by the treaty, as well as using more advanced cameras than the treaty allows. Meanwhile, Russia continues to point the finger right back at the United States.
The exact text of the treaty is super long. But, if you want, if you’re the kind of masochist that really loves reading ninety-seven…more like ninety-six pages of government jargon and doublespeak, then be our guest. You can read the full treaty HERE.
NOW then. The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper is alleging quite strongly that Russia is not playing by the rules of the treaty in several ways. Not allowing flights, using more advanced technology than what is allowed, etc… Russia of course, countermands that the U.S. is violating the treaty. It really is a great and glorious shit show of “He said, she said.” In case you haven’t picked up on the cynicism in which we believe governments act with, there it is again. There is much thought that the Treaty on Open Skies favors Russia and should be canned.
Several lawmakers are not large blades set upon a rotating central hub at an angle between twelve and fifteen degrees for the same reason SecDef Esper isn’t. Smart people will get that joke. We’ve already pulled out…(hehe) of the INF Treaty due to assertions and evidence that Russia was violating the treaty en masse. If the tone struck by defense officials is any indicator, they’ll be looking to mothball this treaty as well. Furthermore, it seems as if President Trump signaled his willingness to leave the treat in October of 2019.
Is the Treaty on Open Skies a viable treaty that the U.S. should honor, or is it out of date and lopsided? Tell us in the comments.
This maybe a good treaty if used and works properly. I do think it should be revamped in order for it to work. Of course, when it comes to other countries it seems they like to lie and say “we did not violate the treaty” and point fingers.
Great blog
Now I have something to read lol
It is out of date and lopsided. And a new treaty that puts all sides into a limitation should be put into effect and someone that is not on any side should be making all parties to comply.
Great post !
Yes it is. It keeps people from getting blown out of the sky.
Russia seem to always play by there own rules.
Great article, couldn’t agree more. Love the content and it’s great to have like-minded people around
Amazing…
Its always better to try and get everyone top keep the peace and have everyone on the same page.
This article opens your eyes to things you don’t understand
Trump 2020
Pull out.
Not an expert but yea outdated and lopsidied for sure, what I could bare to read anyway, just proves you can’t have you cake and eat it too. As for my take on the treaty and other docs like it…stop wasting ink…just defend our country and freedom like before. stop writing so many books the enemy could careless about.
Outdated
Very informative.
U.S. annuled INF to enhance Nuclear power. I think this is for keeping China in check & finally national interest.
Likewise Treat for Open Sky.
U.S. is likely to think it isn’t helpful for national interest.
Easy read. Thanks a lot for the explanation. 👍
I think it needs to be revamped and have new rules put in place. Don’t follow them, suffer the consequences.
This treaty shit is coming to a serious close soon as soon as one of the communists countries have the balls to fire a rocket and than America will go and kick ass
Nobody likes a poor sport. Pointing fingers at each other..
Play by the rules guys..
United States is always going to be blamed for everything! Bullshit
Interesting!!
Very very interesting 🧐
Hi
This is not a viable treaty it is out of date, and completely lopsided.
Awesome. Good read!!!
👍🏼
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Love your shirts there amazing
I think there’s pros and cons to both canning it and honoring the treaty.
If we keep with the treaty though, both sides need to honor it. If one violates that and goes outside the bounds of the treaty then it’s pointless to have a treaty in the first place.
Agreed