Russia Seeks New Missile Plan Details
Last month President Barack Obama dropped plans to build missile defense shields in Poland and the Czech Republic, claiming that he wants to focus on proven and cost-effective technology that will aid in defending against Iran’s shorter-range missiles rather than long-range. The decision was seen as a move to placate Russia, a country that so far hasn’t given anything in return.
The AFP reports that Russia may not be elated about the decision after all. “The statements that are constantly being voiced raise more questions than answers,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. “We would like to receive full clarification.”
Don’t we all?
The two countries are discussing the new plan. There’s talk the Ukraine might be in the running to receive missile defense shields. The bottom-line is that Russia doesn’t want the U.S. to deploy any missiles in or near Europe. Will Obama go that far to appease Russia, while getting nothing in return? The former Soviet Union has refused to issue tougher sanctions against Iran.
The AP reports that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Russia to discuss how the two countries will deal with Iran. Since discovery of a second nuclear site in Iran, the U.S. is pushing for inspection to determine whether the endeavor is peaceful. We hope the president will play hardball with Russia and Iran if the efforts prove not so peaceful.
Clinton’s talking tough, saying that we “will not wait indefinitely” for Iran to decide to open its facility for inspection. It remains to be seen whether Russia will agree to harsher sanctions if Iran fails to comply. No doubt the second site has made Israel even more nervous, and our ally is prepared to defend itself.
Tags: Barack Obama, Czech Republic, Hillary Clinton, Iran, Poland, Russia, Sergei Lavrov, Ukraine