Reply #29: The US is not putting missiles in the Czech Republic [View All]

[The Croquist]

The agreement is for a radar system. During the Cold war we had radar sites in Northern Canada to warn us of a Soviet attack. Poland is currently balking at stationing 10 interceptor missiles.
Both the US and USSR/Russia have had nuclear missile submarines off each other's coasts for decades capable of destroying each other. This is just a radar system. Even if the missiles were deployed in Poland they are not nuclear weapons.
I can understand the concern that this can help defend against a retaliatory strike but only partially. 10 missiles are unlikely to prevent dozens or hundreds of missiles from landing. Russia wouldn't need to use ICBMs to attack Europe but shorter range tactical missiles. Using the same logic a bulletproof vest would be considered offensive weapon if it is worn by a cop yet they do it everyday. Cops don't start shooting because of their bulletproof vests. They start shooting because they are scared.
As to whether or not it will work is another matter. It seems partially effective but there are claims that the tests are rigged. What is obvious however is that it would be overwhelmed by a large attack or even counter attack.

I don't know what the US reaction to a Russian missile shield in Cuba would be but I think we would be happy about it. The Cuban Missile crisis was regarding nuclear armed missiles not a system to shoot down nuclear armed missiles. A missile shield around Cuba wouldn't hurt the US but could be used politically to support our system.