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Headlines : "War on Terror"Czechs give go-ahead for U.S. 'Star Wars' base
The Americans have already built two missile interceptor sites, in California and Alaska, but the proposed project in the Czech Republic is the first in Europe. It has alarmed Russia, which claims it and not “rogue states” in the Middle East or Asia is the target of the missile shield. The US says the installations are aimed at thwarting potential North Korean long-range missiles, while the European sites guard against long-range missiles from Iran or other regional foes.
[Posted By Judy]Republished from The Guardian (UK)
The Czech government has announced that it wants to host a large US military site for the Pentagon’s much-criticised missile shield system, confirming for the first time that Washington had asked Prague for permission to build a radar site for the national missile defence programme.
Russia had warned earlier this month that any extension of the US missile project to eastern Europe would force it to review its military planning.
In one of his first acts as the new Czech prime minister, Mirek Topolanek said that building the facilities in the Czech Republic, the first extension of the “son of star wars” project beyond the US, would boost European security.
Mr Topolanek referred only to a radar site, a strong indication that the Pentagon is hoping to locate the bigger part of the European project – a large missile interceptor silo that would theoretically fire off rockets to destroy incoming missiles – in neighbouring Poland.
Posted by Judy
Born and raised in Toronto, I'm now heading over to the UK to pursue an MA in Russian Politics, Security and Integration. I'm crazy about feminism, multilateralism, peacekeeping, the Toronto Maple Leafs and puppies.
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Occurances like this always make me think why the majority of governments here in the EU still consider the U.S. as the savior of all humanity… I bet no sovereign nation would be for an Australian, Indian, Canadian or even Russian missile-site on their territory. Choices like this one from the Czech government totally undermine the strength of the EU – depending on the “bro” to protect everyone.
And why in hell can’t the U.S. just plant a freaking platform in the middle of the ocean (aka. ship), and launch these — well, basically highly developed sling-launched pebbles — from there.
Wars have begun this way, gentlemen…
Yeah we already do have those platforms in the form of nuclear subs.
Ergo…
“build a radar site “
“Mr Topolanek referred only to a radar site”
Perhaps this is just a cheap way in which Prague can acquire some much needed worker contracts for its hillbilly’s and simultaneously add to its security without draining too much of their own resources.
Maybe they dont realize that ole Uncle Sam is as fat and greedy as Iron Ivan. It could be they are willing to risk the foot in the door, though…