Posted on 03/03/2009 6:58:52 AM PST by jessduntno
By Michael A. Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, March 3, 2009; Page A02
President Obama has sent a letter to his Russian counterpart that raises the prospect of the United States halting development of its missile defense program in Eastern Europe if Russia helps resolve the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program, senior administration officials said last night.
Obama's letter, delivered to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in mid-February, "covered a number of topics" of mutual interest to the two countries, "including the issue of missile defense and how it relates to the Iranian threat," a senior administration official said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the matter.
This official and others said the letter repeated an assertion Obama administration officials have voiced in recent weeks: The missile defense system would not be necessary if the threat posed by Iran's long-range missiles and its nuclear program was eliminated.
Russia has cooperated with Tehran on a range of issues and has often resisted Washington's tough stance toward Iran, which insists that its nuclear program is aimed at developing only cheap energy, not weapons.
Meanwhile, Russian leaders have been infuriated by U.S. plans for a missile base in Poland and radar deployment in the Czech Republic, saying that U.S.-run weapons installations so close to its border represent a threat to its national security. The Bush administration, which initiated the plans, had waved off the Russian displeasure, saying the system would protect Russia as well as NATO allies from the threat posed by Iranian missiles.
The Obama administration, however, sent signals that it intends to smooth relations with Russia. Speaking at a defense conference in Munich last month, Vice President Biden said the administration wants to "press the reset button" with Russia.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
There is a reason why Presidents are required to have been born in the United States. It is a matter of fidelity.
This is like saying to bank robbers, “If you promise not to use guns we won’t let our policemen wear bullet proof vests.”
In summary, Comrade Zero is willing and ready to throw Easter Europe under the bus. And this is how we go about “repairing” relations with our allies? Does our fearless leader even have a clue who are friends are?
It isn’t the “chickens coming home to roost” but it sure sounds like the duck is choosing to sit. Oh, wait, we’re the duck.
I think W and Cheney need to do a joint presser and blast this...it will at least make headlines...what the hell is happening to our economy, defense, I mean, seriously wtf...
Oh Please Mr. Putin, please don’t make any more nukes and give them away to other people! Pretty please???
Medvedev/Putin are spinning Zero like a top and treating him like a boy.
“Medvedev/Putin are spinning Zero like a top and treating him like a boy.”
I just hope their spanking is coming sooner rather than later...you know its coming...I can’t believe this...this might be worse than the spending...
The Russians (Soviets) don’t play that game. Never have. Never will. They smell fear and sense weakness. They don’t have to play “Let’s Make a Deal.” Our “community organzier’s” first time at bat against the big boys, and he strikes out by offering to leave our country defenseless. Welcome to Major League baseball, Mr. President. Don’t plan on staying in the Majors too long.
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No surprise to those of us here who called it last year. Putin and his puppets called the tune in week one of bambi's term by ending our use of the airbase in Kirghiz. You know, the base through which we supply our troops in Afghanistan.
Seems it isn't enough to stop the missile shield program. I'm sure there will also need to be concessions regarding a warm water port...
and we're sending troops to Afghanistan with no way to supply them. Gosh, I'm just in awe of President Obama’s genius. He's a regular MENSA member.
And Putin tells him to go f&*k himself..
I guess that's the idea, but it didn't work with Klinton - he sold us out to the Chinese for his own benefit and to our detriment.
And the russkies told him to shove it!! After we threw our eastern Europe allies under the bus.
And they didn't. Putin rebuffed Obama and said there was no reason to tie missle defense to Iran. Besides Obama had already promised in teh campaign to dismantle missle defense, so why would Putin consider that a bargaining chip. Obama's offering something he planned to do anyway.
This recent "assisting Iran" is about Russia increasing gas imports to help Iran make through the global downturn.
But you'll never hear that in the msm.
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