Nato chief proposes missile shield to include Russia

[bemildred]

Source: BBC

Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called for a new missile defence system that would protect the US and its allies, and include Russia as well.

Mr Rasmussen said the threat of missile proliferation was real and growing and, in cases such as Iran, these missiles could threaten Nato territories.

He said missile defence could bring Nato and Russia together.

Mr Rasmussen was speaking at the Brussels Forum - an international gathering in the Belgian capital.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8591319.stm

[bloomington-lib]

1. I'm surprised that this wasn't offered before

Why wouldn't we offer that to Russia? If it's for defensive purposes only we have no reason not to if the defense is meant to protect from countries like Iran.

That said though, it's a way for some rich contractors to make even more money. Who the hell is going to attack a more powerful country with a missile. If a guy with a suitcase or car does it, it's his fault along with the outlaw group he belongs to. There's no mistaking where a missile came from.

[protocol rv]

3. Interesting idea

But Russia doesn't need ICBM protection provided by the USA. After all, the only enemy the Russians have to worry about is the US. Furthermore, the US ABM system is useless against a Russian attack. And if they are saying they want to defend the Russians from Iran, that's another bogus proposal - Iran lacks the nuclear weapons and missile capability to threaten Russia.

So overall, the whole proposal smacks me of the garbage we hear from the US imperial machine. Pure garbage.

[bemildred]

4. Well, I mean, it's all bullshit.

Nobody in their right mind thinks any of this crap is going to work in a real world situation. But at least they are giving up on the "spook the Russians" bullshit. but Jaap de Hoop has to be "miffed" at this.

[Owl]

2. How about no more of this crap altogether?

[daleo]

5. And the Russians could reciprocate

By putting North America under a Russian missile shield.

We'd all be safe.

[Merchant Marine]

6. The Russians have had credible ABM defenses since the 80s

Starting with the S-300 family(SA-10 Grumble, SA-12 Giant, SA-20 Gargoyle) in 1979, which were developed as long range anti-aircraft systems to slip them in under the ABM Treaty of '72.

Newer systems like the S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler)make our Patriot look silly and antiquated. The new S-500 is supposedly going to be even more capable.



They really don't need our help.

[boppers]

7. The US even bought an S-300V, to reverse engineer for the Patriot program

Oh, and Iran's bought a bunch of 'em too...