NATO, Russia Clash Over U.S. Missiles

[cal04]

Source: Associated Press

NATO's chief and a top Russian lawmaker on Monday clashed over a U.S. plan for a missile defense system in Eastern Europe.

The comments were the latest episode in a bitter monthslong dispute that has soured Russia's relations with the West.

Moscow says it does not believe Washington's contentions that a planned U.S. radar in the Czech Republic and missile interceptors in Poland are aimed against potential threats from Iran, arguing the shield could be used against Russia instead.

``Who is this aimed against?'' Sergei Mironov, speaker of the Federation Council, the upper chamber of parliament, said during a debate with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer that was broadcast on Ekho Mosvky radio. ``When there are missiles at our borders ... it is already a threat.''

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6734005,00.html

[JohnyCanuck]

1. Moscow does not believe Washington?

Goodness gracious, how unreasonable of them. It's not like the Bush/Cheney gang has an international reputation for being inveterate liars. Maybe if George tells Pooty-poot, "cross my heart and hope to die", Pooty will know he really, really is telling the truth this time.

[lovuian]

2. China and Russia know the New World Order

is licking its chops and wants to take them over

But they are not so easily taken over as America was

[cliss]

3. This is a story

definitely worth following. In my opinion, it's unusual in that we get to see this stuff out in the open. I think if Washington had its way, this issue would be kept out of the public view. But it's too late - it's out there now.

It will be interesting to see how it develops.