Missile Defense

Making headlines today is the collapse of a deal between the US, Poland, and the Czech Republic over a European-based US missile defense system. The proposed deal arose over concerns about Iran's improved nuclear weapons and ICBM program.

The main conflict at stake is between Washington and Moscow, who, when the plan was first proposed during President Bush's administration, expressed considerable outrage. In January 2009, Moscow dropped a similar missile defense shield plan in Kaliningrad, a military outpost in Central Europe. This action was meant to signify to the new Obama administration that Russia sought warmer relations with the US and its new president.

The public reasons given for the US's abandonment of this project are a misjudged estimate of Iran's nuclear capability, yet this decision typifies current US-Russia relations. Probability has it that Tehran, or a similar Middle East nation, will develop a nuclear program capable of attacking Western Europe and the Americas, thus a preemptive missile shield seems a relatively good idea. The article argues that the US hopes to put pressure on Russia to deal more harshly with Iran, as Russia has blocked economic sanctions against Iran on the UN Security Council.

The above, however, is a short-term concern, but Western and Central Europe have greater long-term concerns about the base and their relationships with Russia. Poland and the Czech Republic hope to have the base on their territory not because of Middle Eastern concerns, but to ensure a defense against Russia. Thus, Western and Central Europe look upon the US decision with disdain, as it potentially shows a lack of commitment to European security.

These tensions between Moscow and Washington illuminate their respective importance in the geopolitical environment. The most directly affected nations are Iran, Poland, and the Czech Republic, yet the commentary focuses on the US-Russia relationship because of the potential for disaster between the two nations. As the Russian government trends towards increased totalitarianism, look for similar issues to constantly arise in US-Russia relations.