Bush Win on NATO Shield

Good news on missile defense--a Bush administration initiative come to fruition with the help of our new Europe, old under the commies, friends in Poland and the Czech Republic. Predictably the NY Times downplays this success amid other ongoing issues, but it is a significant win nonetheless:

“There has been, over 10 years, a real debate as to whether there is a ballistic missile threat,” said Mr. Bush’s national security adviser, Stephen J. Hadley. “And I think that debate ended today.” Mr. Bush also succeeded in getting NATO to agree to increase troop numbers in Afghanistan, a Washington priority.

Mr. Putin has objected strongly to building parts of the missile defense system in former Soviet bloc states, despite Washington’s assurances that the system is a response to threats from Iran, not from Russia.

My friend Mick, Uncorrelated has a shrewd take on this vis a vis the Dem peaceniks. Who is the real force for peace and progress in our time?

The President heads to Sochi for a visit with a doubtless pouting and posturing Putin. The Russians complain about our motives: “We still do not have a proper explanation of this project,” he said. “It is not about the number of interceptors. It’s about undermining mutual confidence and trust.” This said with a straight face no doubt, even as yet another Russian journalist fearing death seeks and is granted asylum in London. (Doesn't Putin make your skin crawl?) In her own words.

Some progress here too:

NATO did extend full invitations to join the alliance to two significant countries of the Western Balkans, Croatia and Albania. But in an embarrassment for NATO, which runs by consensus, Greece insisted on vetoing the membership invitation of tiny Macedonia. Athens insists that the country must have a name different from Greece’s northern province to avoid any sense of territorial claim and “instability,” objections that NATO officials regard as ludicrous.