Russia and Yanks Create Hotline to Thwart Cyberwar

The Prez and Mr. Putin comparing notes
during the G-8 Summit in Ireland this week.
(photo: voanews.com)

In what now seems like ancient history, the former Soviet Union and the United States created a "hotline" to prevent unintended nuclear conflict. Once Mr. Gorbachev tore down the Berlin Wall, the need for the hotline appeared less urgent. However, a new generation in the Kremlin and in the White House has concluded that the hotline remains a very useful tool in the prevention of "miscalculation." To that end, Barack Hussein Obama and Vladimir Putin agreed to open a direct phone line to address cyber issues that could be misinterpreted as hostile acts originating from either nation.

The story, initially appearing in Ars Technica, was later posted in theverge.com.