Why The Details Are Sticky

As his country crumbles, Gorbachev is happy about Bush's proposals on tactical nukes. But by keeping its submarine-launched multiple warheads, Washington has an advantage that will worry Moscow.

* "Ban land-based MIRVs" hardly has the resonance of "Ban the Bomb," and it is impossible to imagine demonstrators chanting "Down with nuclear SLCMs." Which proves once more that George Bush will never be a sloganeer, and he still has not quite mastered the vision thing. After excessive hype by White House aides, Bush's speech Friday evening offered not a promise of a brave new nuclear-free world but a complicated mix of ideas old and new, unilateral actions and proposals for fresh negotiations with Moscow. And in those negotiations, the U.S. opening position to some extent will continue the old game...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!