US - Russian Missile Defense Talks

US and Russian Governments begin talks regarding plans to place a defense shield of interceptor missiles and a radar installation in Poland and the Czech Republic.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates met with Russian leaders last week, attempting to reach an agreement regarding the construction of a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been completely against this plan since its inception, though he recently indicated confidence that a solution is possible.

At stake is a plan to base U.S. interceptor missiles in Poland and radar units in the Czech Republic to act as a shield against possible attack by countries such as Iran that pose a threat with nuclear weapons. Russia opposes the plan, claiming the location of such a system is a direct threat to the country's strategic interests. The U.S. government swears the system would not be aimed at Russia.

I am glad to see both sides talking, but a solution will not be simple. Last summer, Russia countered the plan by offering the use of one of its own installations, thereby allowing them a measure of control. Of course, the U.S. rejected the offer and relations have since cooled. I believe a compromise will be reached after Dmitry Medvedev is sworn in as Russia's new President, though any agreement will most likely be approved by Putin himself.