Russia Raises the Stakes
Russia is escalating its hostility against the U.S. for planned missile defense bases in Poland and the Czech Republic.
According to the Associated Press, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has threatened possible military action against the U.S. for deploying a missile defense system close to his country’s borders: “We will have to react somehow, to react, of course, in a military way.”
What do the two presidential candidates have to say about missile defense?
From BarackObama.com:
“An Obama administration will support missile defense, but ensure that it is developed in a way that is pragmatic and cost-effective; and, most importantly, does not divert resources from other national security priorities until we are positive the technology will protect the American public.”
From JohnMcCain.com:
“I welcome the announcement that the United States and Poland have agreed on a missile defense plan for Europe. As I noted during my meeting last month with Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, this constitutes an important step forward in protecting European nations from a growing threat — missile attacks from states like Iran. While I have welcomed U.S. offers to work with Russia on this system and share in its benefits, I was disappointed in Russia’s reaction to the announcement. Threatening attacks against Poland, a NATO ally, is a wholly inappropriate response to an agreement that is not aimed at countering Russia.”
(Source: Associated Press)
Tags: Barack Obama, Czech Republic, Dmitry Medvedev, John McCain, Poland, Radek Sikorski, Russia