“and a Russian analyst said Obama’s decision will increase the chances that Russia will cooperate more closely with the United States in the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program.”
Yeah appeasement has always worked so well.
The real question is why Russia felt so threatened by a defensive weapon.
re: why Russia felt so threatened by a defensive weapon
My guess would be it’s because it would have enshrined in the heart of that troublesome part of the world a shinning example of how advanced our technology is compared to Russia. Right now Russia can take credit for their not being a missile attack on the affected region to their allegiance to being a good neighbor. Once an effective US missile defense shield is in place it will take away Russia’s ruse of being the source of peace.