Russia Snubs U.S. Missile Defense System Offer
Even after Iran recently test-fired an advanced missile with a range far enough to hit Israel, southeastern Europe, and our bases in the Middle East, Russia balked at our country’s offer to build a missile defense shield on its soil unless we drop plans to build missile defense shields in Poland and the Czech Republic. (Source)
The U.S. entered into agreements with the two countries to protect the region from Iranian attacks. Iran is just as determined as North Korea to wield nuclear power and launch missiles, and shields in Central Europe would provide some measure of protection against the rogue nation’s actions. A similar site in Russia would add to the protection, but the former Soviet Union so far has not agreed.
Russia has a good chance of getting what it wants from the U.S. now that George Bush is no longer president. It’s not a stretch to assume Barack Obama will “reset” relations with Russia and scrap plans to build shields in Central Europe.
Tags: Barack Obama, Czech Republic, Iran, Poland, Russia