Maybe some jam tomorrow, but none today. That is the American message to its most stalwart allies in the ex-communist world as Barack Obama’s administration shelves plans to deploy ten interceptor rockets in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic. Full Story »
Posted by Derek Hawkins - via Real Clear Politics
This piece presents an interesting international perspective on this decision. The piece strikes me as well written and well researched, with unusual details (awakening the Czech PM) and a blunt reminder of world history (Sept 17, 1939) that add to its breadth and interest. The piece, likewise, has some depth that's been missing in the domestic pieces that I've seen (the Zbigniew quote, the Patriot promise, etc). All in all, this piece is worth reading.
I'm heartened by the President's willingness to discard one of the set-pieces of Bush-Administration baloney. I'm less heartened by the fact that this system (apparently) still only exists on paper, too, with no immediate guarantee that it'll do anything but spend money at least some of which might be better spent domestically. Nevertheless, this is a start down the right road and I applaud the President for it.
This article leaves important questions unanswered. It appears that Poland and the Czech Republic see the presence or lack of presence of Americans as a safety issue. That says nothing about the effectiveness of the missile shield planned for Poland and Czech Republic.
More nuances and implications are discussed than in the early-breaking stories. Ignores that no smart adversary would fire a traceable ballistic missile of any range when the more covert means of cruise missiles and satchel bombs are cheaper and include plausible deniability.
To the extent the move is a move away from the gross stupidity of ICBM missile defense, it is good. To the extent it is a part of a buildup to a war with Iran, it is damn foolishness.
“A scheme that doesn’t work, against a threat that doesn’t exist, in countries that don’t want it” was how Zbigniew Brzezinski, the hawkish former national ... More »
This story would be stronger if the fact Iran obviously does not pose any threat to Northern Europe were included in it. The US should be heeding Russian advice regarding Iran, rather than the other way around.
Iran poses no threat to the US or to Europe, and the weapons manufacturers tried to deceive the american public into playing Israel's game and gearing up to deal with a supposed "threat" that does not exist.
A fair explanation if the issue, and a good description of the interplay between strategic and political maneuvering. Addresses the pros and cons of a specific action, but hints at the author's point of view-- although much less so than many articles from many sources today.
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