June 13, 2007 :: National Review Online :: Analysis
An editorial by The National Review today examines the surprise Russian counter-proposal unveiled at the G-8 summit meeting in Germany. Russia had denounced the U.S. plan to house ten Ground Based Interceptors in Poland and construct a X-band radar facility in the Czech Republic, suggesting that the U.S. instead base interceptors in Turkey, Iraq or on Aegis vessels and use a pre-existing Russian radar base in Azerbaijan.
National Review suggests the U.S. approach such a proposal cautiously and verify Russia's intentions. "If it is indeed a serious offer to enhance global security against the menace of ayatollahs who brandish nuclear weapons, then it could represent a geopolitical breakthrough. Yet if it is just another Russian attempt to undermine existing missile-defense plans, it deserves to be shot down quickly." The editorial suggests that the Russian proposal may be problematic geographically. Additionally, if Russia were actually committed to preventing a ballistic missile attack from Iran, then it should halt its assistance to the regime and work with the West to keep the Iranians from gaining a nuclear weapon at all. However, if the offer to work with the U.S. is genuine, then it should be taken seriously. "Russia’s determination to block the missile-defense sites in the Czech Republic and Poland always has seemed to have more to do with exerting influence over Eastern Europe than with anybody’s security interests. ...Verify Russia's intentions, and only then begin to trust." (Article)
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