Israeli officials say there is a "strong possibility" that the United States will leave missile defense systems in the Jewish state after a joint missile defense exercise planned for October is concluded, according to The Jerusalem Post.
The U.S. missiles, part of the Ballistic Defense Program, would almost certainly remain under U.S. control, but it was not clear whether they would participate in defending Israel against Iranian missiles.
The report indicated that the Americans may deploy the missiles in Israel rather than in the Czech Republic and Poland as planned, in deference to Russia's vehement objections to having U.S. missile systems so close to its border.
So what does this tell us that our administration believes?
One, that Iran really does pose a potential nuclear threat notwithstanding Ahmadinejad's protests that they just want cheap and clean nuclear energy.
And two, the Russians are right to believe our proposed missile defense in eastern European NATO countries is a threat to Russia.
It may also tell us that the new NATO members aren't considered as important as older NATO states, since Poland especially is left hanging near Russia without a very visible symbol of American protection.
It is also odd that there is a question of whether the missiles in Israel would help defend Israel. why would the Israelis allow them to remain if their only role was to defend Europe and the United States? I don't think the missiles to remain are a type that could defend anybody but Israel.
As I said, interesting.
