[microgood]

Because its not BS. They are defensive weapons; and yes can be used if Iran (Syria, insert another crazy ass country) launches ICBMs at Europe. Yes they can also be used for Russia and its not just aimed at Iran.

So these missiles will protect countries like Germany or France, or are we to believe the crazies would attack Poland or Lithiuania?

However the real question is why is Russia so bent out of shape about 10 defensive missiles, if they are full of love and joy and no ill plans for europe or the U.S.

The Russians have always been paranoid and think we are meddling in their sphere of influence. I just do not see why we must continually stir the hornet's nest unless we have a good reason, and this one seems shaky at best.

[StolarStorm]

??? These are inceptors intended to take out missiles headed TOWARD France and Germany. They aren't really there to protect Poland. Poland is just closer to the path the missles would take...

Putin wants a new cold war to consolidate power. That's all this is. He isn't in the least bit concerned about these defensive systems.

[iThinkBig]

“The Russians have always been paranoid and think we are meddling in their sphere of influence. I just do not see why we must continually stir the hornet’s nest unless we have a good reason, and this one seems shaky at best”

True about Russian being paranoid. Stirring up hornets nest? We gave Russia a lot of trust but komrad Putin decided he still loves the KGB and targeted killings along with jailing dissadents. Putin is shrewd but he is no Kasparov. He is what he always was.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Where does the Rus’ sphere of influence end ?

[American_Centurion]

So these missiles will protect countries like Germany or France, or are we to believe the crazies would attack Poland or Lithiuania?

The purpose for basing the missiles in eastern europe is the same reason we base them in Alaska. To have the defensive shield forward of the target, it gives the sensors and interceptors an earlier cue, hence more time to calculate the intended target and program and intercept. Did we put interceptors in North Dakota? No. Why do you think we didn't?