By putting nuclear cooperation on hold, we get to growl at the Russians about Georgia without much immediate risk - but not much gain either. Some clearly merit careful congressional review.

Some have largely achieved their original aims. Not all of the cooperative ventures between the two countries are equally important. Given American concerns about nuclear proliferation and the possibility of nuclear terrorism, tying U.S.-Russian cooperation in the nuclear domain with the current Russia-Georgia quarrel may amount to shooting ourselves in the foot in a misguided attempt to punish Russia. At the same time, administration officials and some in Congress froze U.S.-Russian efforts to develop proliferation-resistance reactors and a secure regime for supplying nuclear fuel. Earlier this month, in the wake of Russia's actions in Georgia, the Bush administration said it had 'placed under review' talks with Moscow dealing with missile defense and reducing the size of the American and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals.

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