[rawhide]

"I know Russia opposes the planned configuration for missile defence in Europe . . . I have made it clear that this system is directed at preventing a potential attack from Iran and has nothing to do with Russia,"

Is it just me, but I have never heard this given as a reason for the planned missile defense? I thought it was a planned deterrent to a Russian attack?

[HiTech RedNeck]

That’s the reason Bush gave for putting the system in Poland. Putin promptly went ape-sh*t, claiming it would reduce Europe’s vulnerability to Russian nukes (yeah sure, like by a factor of maybe 5%).

[kabar]

It is just you. Our missile defense can’t protect us from a Russian attack using MRV’d missiles and sub launced ones. It was never developed to counter the Russians but rogue nations with a few nuclear missiles.

[TheBattman]

I thought it was a planned deterrent to a Russian attack?

Initially, yes - it was to deter a Russian attack. But as time has gone by, the threat has changed and the same defense system is there as a general protection - as part of the defense grid for us an our allies, regardless of where the threat originates.