James Carafano on the Obama Doctrine
The Heritage Foundation’s James Carafano writes about Barack Obama’s stand on missile defense: tough talk and no action.
We’ve mentioned Obama’s lukewarm support (which actually might be an overstatement) for missile defense bases in Poland and the Czech Republic. The U.S. has signed agreements with the two countries, but their parliaments have yet to approve the agreements. Obama says he believes in a strong missile defense system, and also believes that system should work. Well, obviously. Carafano writes:
“[T]he latest missile defense test proves, beyond question, that the system works,” he writes. “The December shot provided an end-to-end evaluation of every part of land-based missile defense: from the radars that detect the missile; to the command and control network that sends the orders; to the three-stage interceptor missile that kills the enemy warhead; to the crews in uniform who run all the pieces of the system. Everything worked. Son of Star Wars blew the target missile out of the sky…Today’s missile defenses can deal with the state-of-the-art missile threat.”
Carafano says Obama’s waffling may lead to the U.S. negotiating with Russia, which may result in our allowing Russia “to negotiate the system away.” If Obama doesn’t change his tune, that’s the likely scenario. If the Russians see an opening, they’ll take it. We need a president who can and will stand firm on national defense and allow missile defense systems to be built in Central Europe. The last thing we want to do is appear weak and unsteady. Mr. Obama, don’t allow our enemies to set the agenda.
“If America does not lead on missile defense,” Carafano write, “no one will — and the world, and the reputation of the American president, will suffer for it.”
Tags: Barack Obama, James Carafano, Poland, Russia