WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney
calls Russia the No. 1 foe of the United States and promises to
stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin. But if he’s
elected president, he might find that he’ll need Moscow’s help.
Russia plays a critical role in facilitating the withdrawal of
US troops from Afghanistan. The United States also needs
Moscow’s cooperation on keeping nuclear materials away from
terrorists and American adversaries, and preventing gridlock at
the UN Security Council, where both countries have vetoes.
While Romney has criticized President Barack Obama’s “reset” —
its policy for improving relations with Russia — he has not said
what exactly he would do differently beyond taking a tougher
approach. Given US interests in a cooperative relationship with
Russia, some analysts think Romney may have to tone down his
rhetoric if wins the White House.  “He may discover the value of
Russia as a partner on some issues,” says Andrew Kuchins, the
head of the Russia program a