The US has reportedly decided to scrap its controversial missile-defense plans in Europe. This is a really big deal.
Despite the incredibly unfortunate timing of making the announcement on the 70th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland (you always wonder why officials don't know these things, and cant wait ONE EXTRA DAY to make such a sensitive announcement; after all, isnt this what public relations/communications officials are paid to do, know these kind of things?).
Anyway, the implications of this decision are immense, positive and negative, but I for one applaud the US president. This is a really bold move that hits the 'reset' button with full force. But, more urgently, it is all about Iran, and I cannot imagine this decision was reached without some concrete assurances from Moscow that they will squeeze Iran in return.
These are the kind of major shifts in foreign policy we have been waiting for from the Obama administration. The ball is now is Moscow's court, and the Obama administration may come to find that the destiny of its foreign policy is now controlled less by itself, and more by the Kremlin.
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I am also an LSE-IPE alumnus. Glad to find this blog.
>>The ball is now is Moscow's court, and the Obama administration may come to find that the destiny of its foreign policy is now controlled less by itself, and more by the Kremlin.
This is a problem. Russia is becoming increasingly nationalist these days. The real hope for Poles and Czechs is strong ties with the West. I am afraid they regard this deal a Chamberlainian compromise with Russia.
Some implicit impacts on Ukraine and Georgia need to be considered as well.
You are absolutely right that integration into European/Atlantic structures is critical for the future of the region, Shah. I fully acknowledge these 'negative' implications of the decision.
However, US foreign policy is better served by this decision, as is, in my opinion, international security if Russia will finally engage fully on Iran. If foreign policy involves difficult trade-offs, this is one that the Obama administration is right to make.
I also suspect that greater US support to countries like Poland and the Czech Republic will be forthcoming, in ways more tangible and impactful than long-range missile interceptors.
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