The United States has entered a decisive phase in a plan to set up missile defense sites in Eastern Europe — a system Washington says is aimed at protecting itself and its allies against potential attacks from the Middle East.
Eastern European governmens will need to agree, of course. They are allies and not subject peoples.
The Russians aren't happy:
But the prospect of sophisticated U.S. radar and interceptor systems in formerly communist Eastern Europe has led Russian military leaders to warn of a new arms race. The system "would create a clear threat for Russia," Col. Gen. Vladimir Popovkin, the chief of Russia's Space Forces, warned Monday.
I hate to point out the freaking obvious to the good Colonel General Popovkin, but if his blasted country wasn't helping the Iranians get nuclear weapons we wouldn't really worry about putting missiles into Europe to defend ourselves and our allies, now would we?
Nor is the fact that our new Eastern European allies are "former communists" mean anything--other than that communism lost the Cold War. Just because the Soviets used to run them does not give Moscow the right to dictate their behavior. Not anymore.
And the Russians might want to consider that the money they are making from selling nuclear technology and conventional arms won't pay for their side of the arms race they foolishly assert we are starting.
Actually, I think we'll be better off when we are dealing with Russians and not former Soviets. Until then, the reflex to help our enemies will linger on.
