President Obama Zaps East Europe Star Wars Plans

[Better Believe It]

Obama Zaps E. Europe Star Wars
by Robert Dreyfuss
September 17, 2009

The right-wing regimes of the "new Europe" -- that is, the post-Soviet governments in eastern Europe that emerged, during the Bush administration, as the staunchest backers of American empire -- are yelping over the decision by the Obama administration to cancel Bush-era plans to build a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic.

For Obama, who was never enthusiastic about the plan, it's a strong indication that he's serious about rebuilding relations with Russia. And the decision may have implications for Iran policy, too.

The truth is that the decision to put a missile defense system was both stupid and needlessly provocative. Stupid, because the system doesn't work and because the threat from Iran is nonexistent. And provocative, because it was part of the Bush administration's neo-Cold War effort to bolster and expand NATO, pressure Russia militarily in south and central Asia, back adventurist states such as Georgia, and otherwise poke the Russian bear with sharp sticks. Obama wants cooperation with Russia -- on energy policy, on Iran, on terrorism, and above all on disarmament and de-nuclearization -- and he's willing to put his money where his mouth is.

On Iran, the issue is not whether Russia will join in imposing sanctions on Iran, but whether Russia will join the United States is trying to solve the problem diplomatically. The plain fact is that it will be exceedingly difficult to get Iran to agree to a deal over its uranium enrichment program without Russia's strong diplomatic involvement.

President Obama deserves high praise for this action.

Please read the complete article at:

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/dreyfuss/474194/obama_zaps_e_europe_star_wars

[jonnyblitz]

1. Kudos to President Obama! and i hit unrec by mistake grrrrr

sorry for that.

anyway, THANK you and Kudos to Obama. Good Job.

[theoldman]

2. A wise decision by Obama.

The idea was a total waste of money and only helped to piss off the Russians. The Russians are not planning to attack the US or Europe. Better to stay friendly with them and persuade them on other things we do not like. Don't forget the space station. We need them more than they need us on this project.

[jonnyblitz]

3. the right wing acts as though the USSR is still around. nt

[Proud Liberal Dem]

6. Don't want to give the Russians (or anybody else)

justification for a pre-emptive ("preventative") strike.

[Jennicut]

4. Good! This was a waste of money and not helping US/Russian relations.

[Inuca]

5. Good! ANd there is going to be

a lot of barking about this. If they can take a bit of time off from barking about health care, that is.

[DevonRex]

7. BBI, this is fantastic news. Thank you. I give credit where credit is due.

You did well on this one.

[IndianaGreen]

8. Poland's communist government was replaced by one that was homophobic and misogynist

Great progress, wasn't it!

[PVnRT]

9. Outstanding