The signing Thursday of an missile shield deal between Poland and the United States has ramped up the pressure between Russia and the Bush administration to a level not seen since the end of the Cold War.
The apparent fast-tracking of the deal appears to be in direct response to the recent Russian invasion of Georgia following its former client state's decision to attack separatists in the province of South Ossetia. Georgian leaders claim they were provoked into the assault while Russia, a supporter of the separatist region, has accused Georgia of attempted genocide against the South Ossetian people.
The agreement commits the United States to deploying a Patriot missile-launching unit in Poland, in exchange for permission to place part of the intended European defence shield in the European country.
The U.S.-Polish deal, which started from January 2007, was inked Thursday after more than 18 months of talks...Under the agreement, the United States will help augment Poland's defenses by deploying a Patriot missile-launching unit, which includes 96 missiles and by setting up a military base, in exchange for placing 10 missile defense interceptors in the European country.[source]
Poland's claim is that it wishes to protect itself from attacks from aggressor states, presumably Russia, appears to have prompted the
signing of the deal. After a similar agreement
was signed with the Czech Republic to host the defence shield, over
eighteen months of negotiations between the Poles and the U.S., stalled over the Polish government's insistence of having the Patriot missiles being deployed as part of the deal.
However this reluctance was swept aside in the wake of the Russian
counter-invasion last week and the Patriots were included in the deal according to Foreign Policy magazine.
After a deal was reached to base a radar system in the Czech Republic inThe certainty that the recent Georgian conflict fast-tracked the agreement,
July, the Poles were the final holdout for America's controversial
missile shield, but the agreement was delayed by the Polish demands for
Patriot missiles. According to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, that
demand has been met. [source]
along with an implied criticism of the lack of European support for
Georgia, is confirmed in the quote by Polish prime minister Donald Tusk
to reporters.
Poland and the Poles do not want to be in alliances in which assistance comes at some point later - it is no good when assistance comes to dead people. Poland wants to be inAnd here:
alliances where assistance comes in the very first hours of - knock on
wood - any possible conflict. [source]
...the deal reflected growing alarm in countries like Poland, once a conqueredConversely, while Poland looks to use the missile defence system to protect itself
Soviet client state, about a newly rich and powerful Russia's
intentions in its former cold war sphere of power. In fact,
negotiations dragged on for 18 months - but were completed only as old
memories and new fears surfaced in recent days.
Those fears were codified to some degree in what Polish and American officials
characterized as unusual aspects of the final deal: that at least
temporarily American soldiers would staff air defense sites in Poland
oriented toward Russia, and that the United States would be obliged to
defend Poland in case of an attack with greater speed than required
under NATO, of which Poland is a member. [source]
from attack by its ancient enemy, it received a chilling reminder of
its own vulnerability from a senior Russian military spokesman this
weekend. The general said the Poles would now for the first time since the end
of the Cold War be a legitimate target for Russian missiles, because of
the proposed missile deployment.
The Interfax news agency quoted a top Russian general as being at risk of a nuclear strike. "..."Poland, by deploying (the system) is exposing itself to a strike - 100
percent," Nogovitsyn, the deputy chief of staff, was quoted as saying.
The Russian government has said it will consider the placement of such
missiles within its "sphere of influence" an act of war and will take
vigorous measures to combat the defence shield's deployment.
Reminiscent of the 1963 missile crisis in Cuba when President Kennedy
and Kruschev took the world to the brink of war in a legendary battle
of brinkmanship, rhetoric from the Kremlin has been precise, chilling
and measured; no defence shield.
Whether or not Russia would ever intend to use nuclear weapons in a attack of this sort, or if it was just using the Russian military as a form of bullying bluster to cower
nations such Poland, Ukraine and others, the end result is a heightening
of tensions between the Russian government and the West.
The chill over Eastern Europe was confirmed as Polish diplomats reported
that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has canceled a trip to
Warsaw planned for September.
The Bush administration has been accused of being all at sea over the Georgian conflict, firstly being caught flat-footed by its ally's attack on South Ossetia and then an
initial feeble response over the Russian counter invasion. However the
recent return to Cold War rhetoric including the sudden signing of the
missile defence agreement in Poland may be a sign that the Bush
administration wants to seize the initiative against its old for Russia.
Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said he believes the Russian aggression in
Georgia may well drive U.S. allies in the region towards closer
military relations.
Gates said he believed the Russian government has turned back towards their past instead of their future. (see video below)
Russia and only deepened already simmering post Cold War tensions.
"New Cold War" anyone?
Coming up: A look at Pakistan following the resignation of President Musharraf
Get automatic Globaleye updates on Twitter
Image above: Patriot missiles. Credit: United States Federal Government
Coming up: A look at Pakistan following the resignation of President Musharraf
Get automatic Globaleye updates on Twitter
Image above: Patriot missiles. Credit: United States Federal Government
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Great story.
I think every country is doing what they are supposed to be doing. Even if Russia knows that the missile defense is not a threat to them, they still have a duty to argue against it. If not then every country will continue to roll over them. Russia can't actully do anything about the current situation, but they can match moves. Who is to stop Russia from putting missile defense or other (non-nuclear) military infastructure in Cuba? Cuba lies only 60 miles of the coast of the US, it would be a very uneasy feeling to have another military superpower within reach.
Many people can argue that the US's biggest defenses are the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean's (I agree), it allows for a sense of comfort to know we will have a lot of warning time before anyone can attack us, Russia in Cuba eliminates that sense of comfort.
Is the defense of our allies worth our immediate security?
What would the US's reaction be if Russia puts anything in Cuba? Venuzuala?
I think both sides have a legitimate argument, if the missile defence was truely not meant as a defense against Russia then why not just put it in Azerbiajan? as the Russians said? In the same respect if it was a missile defense against Russia then we need a lot more then 10 missiles.
If Russia had a legitimate war against a European country then yes the missile defense would be a lggitimate target in war, why would Russia want someone out there who knows every move they make in terms of Missiles (not many countries outside of the US with high level satelite technology, especially not in EU)?
Either way, we will see how it plays out. Remember it was only after talks started with Poland for the Missile defense did Russia start their long range bomber sorties. They have definately matched moves thus far. I personally believe Cuba is the next move... I hope not.
Hey how'd the up side down house story move ahead of the South Ossieta - Russia - Georgia blog?
lame
G'day mate,
Glad you liked the story. I think your point of retaliatory Russian defence missiles in Cuba is valid and interesting. Of course the U.S. administration (whoever it is)wouldn't allow such a move, not for five minutes. Which begs the question, why should Russia allow such missiles on its own doorstep?
Not sure that I can see a workable solution as yet, not while Bush & Putin hold the reins of office.
Hey there,
The Upside Down House is part of a separate blog that I share the page with...The World in Pics. The most recent get top billing apparently on the blog's front page :)
The World in Pics has some awesome pictures though....well worth a look.
"Which begs the question, why should Russia allow such missiles on its own doorstep?"
Exactly...
It goes back to the idea of hipocracy in the Russia - Georgia story.
Politics is great...
Hey, how about a Pakistan/Musharaf story in the future?
"Politics is great"
Couldn't agree more :)
And yes mate, just looking at the developments in Pakistan and will probably have a post up on the resignation tomorrow some time. For me, the big interest is what the military will or won't do. Their record in keeping out of politics for any length of time isn't that great really is it?
Of course Sean any suggestions...more than happy to take on board.
The thing that astonish's me the most are the people now in power, you have mr, corruption himself (asif zadari) and mr taliban appeaser (nawaz sharif) who will they put up as president from this group?.
They came to power pretty much appealing to the vast majority of un educated by promising stuff that in no way they can give. They pretty much kick out someone who actually put pakistan back on the world stage as an up an coming economy. Just boggles my mind. Hope it plays out well.
The Army though I think is in great hands. I think the background of the Ashfaq Kayani speaks for himself. As someone who has personally gone through US militray training I can rest assured he was atleast taught well (he went too the Command and General Staff College, kansas), and with his background he will stay true to what he says, atleast I hope so. Seems to be thus far.
The American Republic returns on September 11, 2008,
A Letter to The United States Congress and to The American People
Americans have lost their way by choice and coercion by those that wish to have it all. Those Americans that have plenty are not bothered by the confusion and rape of the land and its people. The ones that outnumber the wealthy are the ones that suffer in America. The idea of a Republic of America was originally thought to be a perfect form of government, but the ones that made the choice to write on paper their ideas for a perfect form of government, were themselves imperfect, which did not make for a perfect document. The document called the Constitution is a promise to Americans to protect and to serve our Nation with truth. That has not happened, thus the discord within our nation to Americans.
Our Nation, our Homeland has been sold, raped, and ravaged by many outsiders and insider traitors, that have allowed our eagle our National symbol to be locked in a cage with little sustenance. Our Star has been buried in the sand with the trash of other nations.
This is not acceptable, and will be resolved. Our current Congress has forsaken our nation by giving little and taking so much for themselves and their financial supporters. Congress has allowed Capitalist Businesses from within and out to take over our Nation and rule by the power of selfish money and lies.
Our Great and once powerful Military is also ruled by those that give false and deceptive orders and not true commands. They, the soldiers of our fortunes are engaged in ambiguous battle campaigns under False Flag counter intelligence propaganda. Human lives on all sides are dying for the few that have lost their way thru choice.
Our President, our leader of our Nation has with his advisors and financial empire brokers, reinforced the ultimate crime to humanity by lying to himself, his family and his country. Our business leaders have lied to our Nation and prostituted our ingenuity to others for unnatural profit.
There are too many Americans that have some or little or none, and that Ladies and Gentlemen is not acceptable. Congress and others have failed to provide even the basics for our Nation to thrive. Too many selfish secrets, which many are known amongst a few is tearing our Nation and Planet apart. And allowing those that know what lies behind the looking glass, to control the masses at will.
There is too much advertised hatred and racial prejudice that is fed by ignorance and choice. Religions have taken front seat to freedom and truth, thus confusing those that wish to know the truth by self choice.
On September 11, 2008, in Los Angeles, California, United States of America, we Americans can and will make a choice to free our Eagle from its cage of captors, allowing it to be stronger and fly higher than ever before, and unearth and restore our Star to its rightful brilliance from the sand of trash of other Nations, and take back our country from those that have stolen it from us all. Annuit Copetis.
We have learned from the past, and we have learned from the present, so now we will make a choice to either continue with America as is, or Change it to a True Republic that truly represents the sincere interests of it people and other Nations. It is not an impossible task to overcome, all it takes is an honest choice and the will to sacrifice.
We are a Legion of many, who will live a life of peace, and have respect for all living things, while having considerations for those who are different, and look for ways to truly accommodate those who are slow in understanding.
We support the poor, helpless, and defenseless people. We support the freedom of Women, we support the sane treatment of animals and the environment, we support the freedom of religion and expression. We do not support ignorance, period.
We are a growing nation of people that encourage all Americans to become part of the New American Republic!
CHANGE FOR AMERICA FOR AMERICANS!
NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM
Judah Ben-Hur, Sui Juris
Ambassador
The American Republic
Diplomatic Mission: North America
A Sovereign Republic
The American people should just turn a blind eye to any other nations problems, Its time that we took care of our own and SCREW the rest. No one tells these so called people to go around and act like ASSHOLES THAT THEIR CHOICE NOT OURS. You dont like the way your Country behaves then LOOK AT YOURSELF AND YOUR WAY OF LIFE AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, THE AMERICANS ARE NOT IN YOUR COUNTRY DOING THIS ITS YOUR OWN PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THIS NOT US, SO STOP BLAMEING OTHERS AND FIND OUT WHY YOUR PEOPLE ACT LIKE THIS THEN FIND THE SAME GUTS YOU HAVE FOR BLAMEING OTHERS AND FIX IT. BECAUSE I TELL YOU DUDE THIS IS ONE AMERICAN WHO DOES NOT GIVE A RATS ASS ANYMORE.....................................
You said it beautifuly.
TO Wrong. YOU ARE 100 PERCENT RIGHT.
I have started thinking this way my self It is very sad.
We spend our money to help others we need and must stop our people are in need lets take care of them.
"The American people should just turn a blind eye to any other nations problems,..."
"We spend our money to help others we need and must stop our people are in need lets take care of them."
This all comes down to "Entangling alliances". There are many examples out there Egypt, Israel, and Pakisatn / India. Take for example Pakistan now. Pakistan had no problem with Afghanistan or the Taliban in fact they were their allies. We (the US) came in and said they are the enemies and Pakistan needs to help fight them, Pakistan says sure, now Pakisatn gets aid to help fight the Taliban, if we just stop giving money to them yes that would be great for American citizens, but the Pakistanis now have enemies at there borders which they didn't have before.
It has nothing to do with helping us before others, it has more to do with alliances we make and cannot not get away from. We cannot turn a blind eye to other nations problems if we cause those problems. Would Russia have invaded Georgia if we the US hadn't pulled them close to us? try to get them into NATO? used them as a propoganda / proxy buffer?
We put other countries in bad positions, so we have to pay as well, a change in foreign policy will help everyone. Including having more money for us. You can kind of look at it as a sort of "Chaos theory."
Hey folks, great comments thanks. Sean your discussion on "entangling alliances" is a fine pointas always though I often wonder if the Pakistan political hierarchy think they get out an alliance with the US. (Other than permission to keep their nuclear bomb and billions in aid of course) Anyway I've (sort of) covered this point over in the latest Global Eye piece on Pakistan's power vacuum after Musharraf, you are all most welcome to comment.
Sorry but wrong is right on the money. And you know it.
TO SEAN SO SORRY.
I just love when others try and blame others for there own actions stop and examine your own actions before you put blame on others. Sean your in need of a reality check my friend.
Wrong what you said is Correct. CORRECT, CORRECT, AND CORRECT.
BOREING,
To Wrong: Many thanks for your comments. As a non-American, can I just clarify that you'd support a move towards a more isolationist America? And is there a general shift towards this policy by Americans.(I'd be interested to hear other U.S. friends comments on this view as well).
I dont know what your smoking guy but it sounds good.ISOLATION is what is needed its high time that we took care of our own and not give a flying shit. Wrong is so right.
First of all mate no one cares about your thanks, It sounds like you have one hell of an authority complexs.
Why would Russia allow missles on its door steps. First of all they are not offensive first strike weapons and cannot be used as such. They are only intended to down first strike incoming offensive weapsons. So any missles Russia would put in Cuba would be first strike capability weapons. Second these are going to be put in place to thwart incoming missles from rogue nations not Russia. Russia knows the could never launch a missle strike at their neighbors without us coming to their rescue. The problem is russia wants to continue to aim their missles at us or any of our allies and they are damned made beccause we now have the capability to thwart such an attack and they currently have no counter response. The louder they scream the more we know what they don't have.
HANG IN THEIR YOUR BOTH RIGHT.
To "God helps those who help themselves."
Sorry, but God helps those who cannot help themselves. Jesus said "Without Me you can do nothing."
shouldnt you be chaseing a kangaroo, GET A LIFE.
JESUS ALSO SAID ILL MEET YOU HALF WAY TRY AND HELP YOURSELF.
Be Man enough do not hide behind JESUS.
You are absolutley right. We keep Giveing and Giveing No more.
It Is time that some one gave us some thing back. Just look at New Orlenes, Did any other Country come russhing in to help them, Hell no.
America would not care a single bit about Russia putting a missile defense shield in Cuba. Only when offensive weaponry is put into Cuba would we intervene. Russians do not think like us and we do not think like them. The truth of the matter is we do not have to put any strike weapons near their border to cause an horrific annihilation of their country. Nor do they need to do that as well.
The reality is, the more one sides with Russia, the more one sides with tyranny and a loss of freedoms.
Amen.
Theirs that Judah ben ASSHOLES SAME LETTER AGAIN, This boreing bastard writes the same letter on other sites.Get a life jerk.
Your the ambassador of the TOILET BOWL, YA KNOW THE TIDY BOWL MAN.
USA must become more nationalistic and face the probability of fighting, killing in order to survive. Alert & First strike & you survive. US soldiers died in Korea, Vietnam and Iraq-so people could live FREE and non soldiers didn*t have to die or get injured.
The RICH of the world have avoided serving in the military, especially harms way environment. The RICH use money/wealth to avoid being around labor, hardship, torment and killing. I discovered that RELIGION is the Dope of the masses and has caused nothing but trouble, although it can be like Valium to certain people. The masses of World must be controlled for the good of the World society.Humans can make planet earth good for all people & animals, but people are selfish, insecure and want other people to do the dirty work and suffering. A true MARXIST government would not allow violence-drugs-religion-exploitation-unemployment-poverty-pollution-hunger-disease-fear-alcohol-tobacco-rich vs.poor-waste of natural resources, time and labor. Discipline-goals-unity- education-security and good mental/physical health is/are goals to achieve, worldwide. VIVA el Revolution in all true developing RED countries...
Russia's politics have always been a lust for greed and power with little interest in the country's progressive development or the welfare of its people. It continues to be the "biggest bully" on the Eastern Block and smaller countries that in the past have falle to Russia's aggressive undemocratic governments suffered years of deprivation and abuse of basic human rights -- all in the name of Russian individual self-grandizement. Russia and its politics have throughout history been a recipe for disaster; how often must a country fail in its pursuit of aggression in order to learn how to sucessfully and effectively build a healthy political structure sensitive to the needs of its own people, working in cooperation with its surrounding neighbors without necessity of domination?
magrisfoghr