"As long as the threat from Iran persists, we will go forward with a missile defence system that is cost-effective and proven," he told a crowd of about 20,000 gathered in Hradcany Square, next to Prague Castle.
"Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activity poses a real threat, not just to the United States, but to Iran's neighbours and our allies."
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The story focuses upon the dark side of Obama's speech about nuclear disarmament. Obama repeated propaganda about Iran and advocated for the ill conceived missile defense system. The backstepping statement of the White House adviser is also cautionary.
The crowd enthusiastically cheered the more idealistic parts of Mr Obama’s speech but was relatively subdued when he spoke about his backing for missile defence.
Petr Sramek, 33, was among those disappointed that Mr Obama had not dropped a policy that was opposed by more than two thirds of Czechs. “I really liked the clear message on nuclear disarmament but I am against the missile defence system. It is more about geopolitical influence then defence against missiles.”
Arena Protivinska, 30, described herself as a “big fan” of Mr Obama but accused him of “hypocrisy” for urging world peace while also pushing forward with the missile shield. “He sounded like George W Bush saying that we should be afraid in order to justify missile defence.”
Gary Samore, a White House adviser on arms control, indicated that Mr Obama’s call for ridding the world of nuclear weapons should not be taken too literally.
Missile defense is a boondoggle that will not work against any sophisticated offense, and is not even designed against cruise missiles, let alone suitcase bombs on boats. Placement in Czechoslovakia and Poland is a punch in the face for peaceful relations with Russia, and so counter to reducing nukes.