The spin on cancelling the missile defense shields promised to Poland and the Czech Republic is that we are giving them something better. However, an article in today's Washington Times reports that the Poles and the Czechs really don't see it that way. The front page headline on the Polish tabloid said, "Betrayal! The U.S. sold us to Russia and stabbed us in the back." It is telling that Vladimir Putin praised the move as "correct and brave." I am not so convinced that Russia is our friend as to be happy when Putin praises the decisions of our government.
The Obama administration has either overlooked or chosen to ignore the fact the Poles and the Czechs regarded the missile shield as something that would also help them deal with Russian aggression. They are feeling as if we have sold them out to the Russians.
According to the article:
"Neighboring Lithuania, a small Baltic nation that broke away from the Soviet Union in 1990 and is now a NATO member, also expressed regret over Mr. Obama's decision.
National Defense Minister Rasa Jukneviciene said that the shield would have increased security for Lithuania and she hoped missile defense would not be excluded from future talks on NATO security.
"This NATO region cannot be an exception and its defense is not less important compared with others," she said."
In breaking the promises made to Poland and the Czech Republic, we are telling the world that America cannot be depended on to keep her word. Countries in eastern Europe and the Middle East will begin looking for allies they can depend on and refusing our requests for help in fighting the war on terror. This decision may have serious consequences within the NATO alliance.
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