Most observers agree the move likely is intended to appease relations with Russia, smacking of old Cold War tactics between the United States and former Soviet Union.
But don't buy the argument that it is intended only to get Russian support in tackling the global concern of Iran developing nuclear weapons.
America's negotiations with Russia likely go much deeper.
While many eyes look to the Middle East and fret over Iran and its threats to destroy Israel, another player is at the table, one closer to home.
It is the South American nation of Venezuela and specifically, its socialist leader, Hugo Chavez.
Now we're talking about Russian arms deals and Russian military power reaching into our hemisphere.
Now we're talking about an oil giant that has the U.S. as its No. 1 customer and has American consumers depending on its oil.
Now we're talking about something much closer to home.
***
Having met with President Chavez in 2008, I can tell you myself this is a man who has great self-confidence that his charismatic charm, populist politics and cunning ambitions can make him a central power figure with influence in world affairs.
Other Latin American leaders already either despise and fear him, or love and adore him. Few stand
More concerning to American observers, however, is how Chavez, backed by his country's rich oil resources and strategic location in America's backyard, is cultivating much more than friendly handshakes and photo opps with the leaders of America's most capable superpower opponents, Russia and China.
Chavez hasn't stopped there in his goal to be the biggest thorn in the side of the United States without firing a shot. Others on his smooch list include Syria and various countries in Africa, another hideaway continent for terrorists.
Chavez is smart enough to effectively fight his battles using weapons of mass disruption rather than actual military firepower.
Is he winning?
Last Wednesday, newspapers nationwide carried the headlines reporting that Russia had opened a $2.2 billion line of credit for Venezuela to purchase weapons, including armored vehicles and surface-to-air missiles.
The next day, President Obama surprised much of the world when he revealed the United States would no longer seek to erect a missile base in Poland and the Czech Republic near the Russian border.
Much of the mainstream media jumped to conclusions that negotiations with Russia about Iran was the primary reason for the about-face.
Other important events involving Chavez and Venezuela, however, seem to suggest more.
***
Consider these recent developments:
* One year ago, Russian warships sailed into the Caribbean on a visit to Venezuela and the trip caused such an uproar that American officials in the Bush administration worked overtime to downplay the significance of the visit, and Russian officials felt compelled to announce that none of their vessels were carrying nuclear weapons.
That was what they said in public.
The truth is, it did concern American officials, and the very idea of nuclear weapons in the Caribbean on Russian ships was all too familiar to anyone who remembers the Cuban Missile Crisis of the early 1960s.
* Earlier this month, Venezuela announced that Chavez visited senior leaders in Syria and "designed strategic lines to consolidate the economic and social relations in order to defeat the permanent conspiracies of the empire," meaning the United States.
Venezuela also claims to be aiding Syria with the construction of a refinery, expected to be completed by 2013.
"A refinery to give more strength to Syria and support its allies," according to a Venezuelan government statement.
* We already have seen the more public display of unity between Chavez and Iran's anti-American president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The two recently met again.
* Russia and Venezuela are working on agreements to establish nuclear energy in Venezuela, this for a nation with some of the world's richest oil reserves.
The work is "completely peaceful," says a senior Venezuelan official. "Venezuela will never go out its borders to attack anybody."
* During August, Chavez ordered his foreign minister "to be prepared for the rupture of relations" with neighboring Colombia because of its cooperation with the United States in what Chavez feels is the buildup of an American military base there.
"Colombia has become a narco-state and a U.S. base that threatens us and all the continent," Chavez said in a press statement. "The Venezuelan state must act in defense of the homeland, the people and the revolution."
* Chavez has visited several African nations in pursuit of new trade agreements and government ties.
* Chavez has visited China and signed several major agreements and deals, including cooperation that led to the first Venezuelan satellite launched into space with plans for more.
***
The United States receives about 10-12 percent of its oil imports from Venezuela.
Disruption of that supply would not bring the United States to a halt, but it most certainly would cause problems.
More concerning is how Russia is using Venezuela, not just Iran, as a trump card to play its interests.
Obviously, the United States must pay attention, as must American energy providers and consumers who are influenced by the Venezuelan oil market.
Now that the U.S. has called off plans for the missile defense shield in Europe, it will be interesting to see if Russian warships continue to sail into America's backyard, or if Russian cargo ships will visit loaded with military supplies.
One thing is sure in global statesmanship:
Nothing ever is as simple as it might seem.
Troy Turner is the editor of The Daily Times with several interests in international affairs. He can be contacted at P.O. Box 450, Farmington, N.M., 87499; or at tturner@daily-times.com.
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