Obama Considering Alternatives to Missile Defense Shields
In an unfortunate turn of events, the head of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said the Pentagon is considering “alternatives” to missile defense shields in Poland and the Czech Republic. (Source)
Our president is set to renege on agreements signed last year by the U.S. and those countries to provide protection for the region against Iranian missile attacks. The two countries’ parliaments have not ratified the agreements, however, and this fact gives Obama enough wiggle room to falter on the missile shield plans. MDA’s Lt. Gen. Patrick O’Reilly said the U.S., Poland, and the Czech Republic will work “very closely” to change the plans.
Obama wants to appease Russia, which claims the radar system and interceptors are a threat to its national security. What would the U.S. get in return for canceling the plans? Among other things, Russia has agreed to reduce its stockpile of old weapons but so far has not agreed to help the U.S. deal with Iran.
Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation’s Chris Hellman plays hard politics and doesn’t mince words about his view of people who advocate strong missile defense:
“Missile defense has always been an issue for a small cadre of ultraconservative, ultraparanoid people who see the threat of ballistic missiles from places like Iran as a real threat to US security interests.”
As we’ve said many times, Iran may not be a “real threat” to the U.S directly, but if not contained, the rogue state will be. Iran most certainly is a “real threat” to our ally Israel. But the president is more interested in a “reset” between our country and the former Soviet Union, who will benefit the most from any agreement reached.
Tags: Barack Obama, Czech Republic, Iran, Israel, MDA, Poland, Russia