U.S. Allows Russia Exceptions in Iranian Sanctions

In the New York Times article "U.S. Makes Concessions to Russia for Iran Sanctions", published on May 21st, Baker and Sanger explain the U.S.'s actions in regards to the Russia's involvement with the Iranian weaponry. The U.S. lifted American sanctions against the Russian military complex and agreeing not to ban the sale of Russian anti-aircraft batteries to Tehran. These actions were made as a result of the increasing trust between the two nations, although they have drawn many critics. However, Obama's administration sites Russia's reluctance to deliver the order of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Tehran as a sign of Russia's trustworthiness.

This article relates to Comparative Government because of the huge foreign policy issues. As the U.N. increasingly supports sanctions against Iran, Russia finds itself split between forging strong ties with the west and maintaining a trade relationship with Iran.