Romney will have to tone down anti-Russia rhetoric if elected

But if he is elected president, he might find that he will need Moscows help.Russia plays a critical role in facilitating the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.The United States also needs its cooperation on keeping nuclear materials away from terrorists and American adversaries, and preventing gridlock at the U.N. Security Council, where both countries have vetoes.While Romney has criticized President Barack Obamas reset its policy for improving relations with Russia he has not said what exactly he would do differently beyond taking a tougher approach. Given U.S. 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 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.U.S.-Russian relations, like international affairs in general, have not been major issues in a presidential campaign dominated by the economy. But they are an area of sharp disagreement between the candidates and could be an issue in Mondays presidential debate, which will focus on foreign policy.Obama administration officials see improved relations with Russia as a foreign policy success after years of tension during George W. Bushs presidency.They cite the opening of a supply corridor to Afghanistan, the signing of a major arms control treaty, known as New Start, and progress on trade issues, including Russias entry into the World Trade Organization.While Russia has often blocked Western initiatives in the U.N. Security Council, it has gone along in key instances. Last year, Moscow abstained in a vote allowing military intervention in Syria, though Russian officials later accused the U.S. and allies of abusing the councils mandate. In 2010, Russia also backed new sanctions against Iran after a compromise.Recent heated disputes over Syria and Iran and missile defense show that the relationship remains testy and may be getting tense.In a sign of faltering ties, Russian officials said recently that they would not extend a 20-year-old program for U.S. help securing Russias nuclear stockpile unless it was substantially overhauled. The Nunn-Lugar program is considered one of the hallmarks of post-Cold War cooperation.