VOA慢速英语:US, Russia Relations Hit a New Low

短语讲解：

1. The relationship was very different at the beginning of the Obama administration.

at the beginning of 在…之初
例句：The teacher always calls the roll at the beginning of the class. 
上课开始时，老师总要点名。 

2. The improved ties resulted in a major arms control agreement. Under the treaty, the two sides agreed to reduce long-range nuclear weapons.

agree to 同意， 赞成
例句：We cannot agree to consign the goods. 
我们不同意寄售此货。 

3. The former intelligence contract worker is accused of leaking U.S. government documents.

accuse of 指责，控告
例句：They may even accuse the child of disloyalty. 
他们甚至责备孩子不忠诚。 

4. Russia must be concerned about this and what might happen in Central Asia with the rise of this sort of Islamic fundamentalism.

concern about 使（自己）关心…
例句：She showed great concern about you. 
她很为你担心。 

5. Whoever is the next U.S. president is still going to have a lot of problems in dealing with Russia, and likewise Russia with the U.S.

a lot of 许多的; 诸多
例句：A lot of what's changing now is subtle.
许多变化都非常微妙。

6. In fact, they say, there is so much that it would prevent any kind of forward movement in the relationship.

in fact 实际
例句：In fact, it could help.
事实上，这可能有利无害。