Non-Subscriber Extract
Opinion: Missile defence delay undermines security
By Peter Brookes
01 February 2008
Despite endless talks, the United States, Czech Republic and Poland still have not reached an agreement on fielding a missile defence system that would protect the US and Europe from the growing threat of long-range ballistic missiles.
With Iran continuing to enrich uranium, the possibility of 'loose nukes' in Pakistan and an active year for ballistic missile tests in 2007 led by China, Iran and Russia, tarrying over this decision is a mistake: one that will only serve to undermine transatlantic security in the face of current and potential future threats.
In recent years, the US decided that leaving itself deliberately vulnerable to any weapon system or state - as it did during the Cold War - was foolish, and rightfully so. Deliberate vulnerability can lead to perceptions of weakness, inviting provocation or aggression from another nation or transnational actor, such as a rogue state or terrorist group.
In addition, being weak and vulnerable can lead a potential adversary to use threats, intimidation, blackmail or coercion to achieve its objectives. In a day when North Korea is a nuclear power and Iran is still very likely on the path to becoming one in the not too distant future, the chance that these weapons will be used against peaceful nations is a troubling possibility - one that we must guard against.