|
The United States has reportedly gone to great lengths to
reassure the Russians that a proposed missile defense system
in Poland is not a threat to Russian security. President Bush
has gone so far as to invite Russian scientists to work
alongside the United States in developing the system. US
officials have repeatedly said the system is aimed at
defending US allies and US forces in Europe from launches from
rogue states such as Iran. Iran already possesses missiles
that have the range to hit Western and Central Europe, for
example. Yet, the Russians continue their defiance to the
system, promising more than a "diplomatic response."
Perhaps the United States is not being upfront about all the
reasons behind the proposed missile defense system, and the
Russians know it. But if so, the Russians need to come forward
with supportive evidence. So far, the United States has
released a number of documents that support their contention,
some of which are found below.
So what is the reason behind the Russian defiance? Not sure.
Conspiricists will note that a new Cold War between the United
States and Russia will be a boon for the Military Industrial
Complex, as high-tech equipment for such a standoff remains
the costliest to procure. Or Russia is simply seeking a return
to glory they enjoyed during the Cold War as a superpower.
MNN continues to insist that a strong Russia can be a powerful
ally of US interests, as both nations face great threats from
Islamic militancy and other potential common enemies.
Below, are resources provided by the United States Missile
Defense Agency (MDA) about the European missile shield.
 Proposed
U.S. Missile Defense Assets in Europe (PDF)
Missile
Defense Agency Fact Sheet (PDF)
Worldwide
Missile Defense (PDF)
Iran
Threat (JPG image) |
