Missle Defense Debate Heats Up

The most recent poll indicates that most Czechs still oppose the planned missile defense system to be built partially in the Czech Republic. 61% of Czechs now report opposition to the plan, and a full 75% believe there should be a referendum held to decide on the subject.

For those of you who are a little behind the curve, the U.S. is negotiating directly with Poland and the Czech Republic to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe. The missiles would be located in Poland, whereas the radar system would be located about 30 miles from Prague on a disused military base near the town of Brdy.

Opinions are sharpening on the question as the "Don't Know" responses are dropping with each new poll. One of the main complaints I've heard is that this project is being negotiated bi-laterally between the U.S. and the Czech Republic, and also bi-laterally between the U.S. and Poland. Critics hope to see Poland and the Czech Republic, or ideally the European members of N.A.T.O., negotiate with the U.S. They argue such unity would strengthen Poland's and the Czech Republic's bargaining position.

Meanwhile, Russia has recently conducted a test of a new I.C.B.M. which Vladimir Putin says is a direct response to the missile defense system. Putin had some other choice quotes in the article which are worth reprinting. I suspect the media in the U.S. has not taken much notice of these quotes...

"It wasn't us who initiated a new round of arms race."

"We have signed and ratified the CFE and are fully implementing it. We have pulled out all our heavy weapons from the European part of Russia to (locations) behind the Ural Mountains and cut our military by 300,000 men," Putin said.

"And what about our partners? They are filling eastern Europe with new weapons. A new base in Bulgaria, another one in Romania, a (missile defense) site in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic," [Putin] said. "What we are supposed to do? We can't just sit back and look at that."

"It's dangerous and harmful," he added. "Norms of the international law were replaced with political expediency. We view it as diktat and imperialism."

And Putin is not the only one complaining about the U.S.'s disregard for the preservation of peace. With George Bush scheduled to visit the Czech Republic just three days from now, a citizen has filed a criminal complaint against him for "suspicion of the criminal offense of propagation of and incitement of war." Of course, this has everything to do with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and nothing (officially) to do with the missile defense system, but the point is clear: George Bush is certainly not perceived by many as a friend to peace.