President Obama said Thursday that he is abandoning Bush-era plans for a long-range missile defense system based in Poland and the Czech Republic, turning instead to a land- and sea-based system of sensors and interceptors that is focused on stopping shorter-range missiles that could be fired from Iran. Full Story »
Posted by Samuel W. Velsor IV - via Washington Post
In his briefing, Gates anticipated those criticisms, and fired back strongly. “Those who say we are scrapping missile defense in Europe are either misinformed or misrepresenting the reality of what we are doing,” Gates said. “The security of Europe has been a vital national interest of the United States for my entire career. The circumstances, borders and threats may have changed, but that commitment continues.”
Well said.
Critics of the Bush system had said it addressed a threat that didn’t exist, using missiles that might not work. The system was aimed at shooting down long-range ballistic missiles, which Iran is not expected to have until at least 2015, if it develops them, according to arms-control experts. The system was not intended to deal with Iran’s medium-range missiles, which are currently capable of hitting Turkey and the edge of Europe, analysts said.
This is where Obama is really correct as his plan will address the short and medium range missles and will do so sooner. Sooner is a very important consideration for our security and that of our allies.
I think this is a good thing for a few reasons; we keep the system in our control, the system will become operational quicker - this is the most important fact as the threats are real. I am not sure even this system will be operational ahead of Iran getting operational, I would guess that this system could be fast lined if required a lot easier then the Bush system. Costs will be lower as we are starting with systems that are in current use or design; and they are tested as workable.