Tensions between the US and Russia escalated last week, as President Obama canceled an upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The snub further strained the already icy relationship between the two nations, which has deteriorated amid disagreements over NSA leaker Edward Snowden, the Kremlin’s anti-gay laws and Syria. Nation contributor Stephen Cohen joined a panel on today’s Diane Rehm Show to talk US-Russia relations, during which he criticized Obama’s move. Cohen explained, “The United States should talk to our opponents, even our enemies.” Listen here.

On the United States and Russia, Bob Dreyfuss has some tips on how to “end this cold war before it starts.”