Obama's move on missile defense raises troubling questions

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By BRIAN T. KENNEDY

President Obama's decision Thursday to abandon the so-called Third Site of missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic already is generating fierce debate and causing great consternation. The decision is a slap to America's Polish and Czech allies, who had braved Russian intimidation in agreeing to host the sites. But Mr. Obama's step also will have profound implications on many of America's other alliances, especially in Asia.

One major problem is the flimsy strategic rationale offered by the administration for its decision. The cancellation of the Third Site supposedly is justifiable because Iran's long-range ballistic missile program is not sufficiently advanced to pose an immediate threat. But of course that is exactly when such a defensive system should be built, tested and put into operation. Such a system, along with other components of a multilayered missile defense, would discourage the Iranians from finishing such a program by convincing them it would not succeed. Instead the U.S. proposes an underfunded 10-year plan to address shorter-range threats. That the administration would offer such a shallow explanation for ending the Third Site sends a bad signal about the seriousness with which Mr. Obama views nuclear threats in general.

This strategic vulnerability cannot last forever. Either the U.S. and its allies will realize the folly of their ways and build strategic defenses or a day will come when they will pay a heavy price.

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Obama’s Strategic Confusion - WSJ.com

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"Stronger, Smarter, and Swifter" Europe Missile Defenses"



THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. As Commander-in-Chief, I'm committed to doing everything in my power to advance our national security. And that includes strengthening our defenses against any and all threats to our people, our troops, and our friends and allies around the world.

One of those threats is the danger posed by ballistic missiles. As I said during the campaign, President Bush was right that Iran's ballistic missile program poses a significant threat. And that's why I'm committed to deploying strong missile defense systems which are adaptable to the threats of the 21st century.

The best way to responsibly advance our security and the security of our allies is to deploy a missile defense system that best responds to the threats that we face and that utilizes technology that is both proven and cost-effective.

In keeping with that commitment, and a congressionally mandated review, I ordered a comprehensive assessment of our missile defense program in Europe. And after an extensive process, I have approved the unanimous recommendations of my Secretary of Defense and my Joint Chiefs of Staff to strengthen America's defenses against ballistic missile attack.

This new approach will provide capabilities sooner, build on proven systems, and offer greater defenses against the threat of missile attack than the 2007 European missile defense program.

This decision was guided by two principal factors. First, we have updated our intelligence assessment of Iran's missile programs, which emphasizes the threat posed by Iran's short- and medium-range missiles, which are capable of reaching Europe. There's no substitute for Iran complying with its international obligations regarding its nuclear program, and we, along with our allies and partners, will continue to pursue strong diplomacy to ensure that Iran lives up to these international obligations. But this new ballistic missile defense program will best address the threat posed by Iran's ongoing ballistic missile defense program.

Second, we have made ...