By Joel C. Rosenberg
"The White House will shelve Bush administration plans to build a missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic, a move likely to cheer Moscow and roil the security debate in Europe," reports the Wall Street Journal this morning.
"Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell confirmed Thursday that a 'major adjustment' is planned and said the decision was made to better protect U.S. forces and allies in Europe from Iranian missile attacks. The U.S. is basing its move on a determination that Iran's long-range missile program hasn't progressed as rapidly as previously estimated, reducing the threat to the continental U.S. and major European capitals, according to current and former U.S. officials."
President Obama is making his announcement to abandon the defense of the Czech Republic (and the rest of Europe and the U.S.) on the 70th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
This is a dramatic victory for Czar Putin and his allies in the Kremlin who have threatened to re-launch the nuclear arms race if the U.S. dared defend herself and her allies from Russia, Iranian and other missile threats.
Separately, the Pentagon is preparing to hold a major joint missile defense exercise in Israel in October, according to a report in the Jerusalem Post.
Related Links
U.S. Changes Course on Eastern European Nuclear-Missile Shield - Wall Street Journal Barack Obama surrenders to Russia on Missile Defence - Telegraph Decision to Shelve Missile Shield Will 'Empower' Russia, Obama's Critics in Congress Say - FOX News US worried about Iran "running out clock" - Gates - Reuters Obama nixes Europe missile shield plans - Jerusalem Post Inside the Revolution - Joel C. Rosenberg (Book)
