West Needs New Missile Shield Against Iranian Nuclear Threat, Nato Chief Says
THE TELEGRAPH: Nato's Secretary-General has urged the construction of a new missile defence system to protect Europe from the threat of Iranian nuclear attack.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen told The Sunday Telegraph he has full American backing for a proposed €200 million (£165 million) defensive "shield", which he hopes will be agreed in November at a summit of members in Lisbon.

He was speaking after weapons inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned last week that Iran had passed a crucial nuclear threshold which took it nearer to being able to arm ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.

"Based on their public statements we know that Iran already has missiles with a range sufficient to hit targets in Europe, and they don't hide the fact that they want to further develop their capability," Mr Rasmussen said.

"If Iran eventually acquires a nuclear capability that will be very dangerous, and a direct threat to the allies. That is the reason why I am now proposing a new and effective Nato missile defence system."

He claimed that the new system could be set up in cooperation with Russia, which has angrily opposed previous American attempts to set up missile shields in Europe.

Iran's longest-range ballistic missiles, such as the Shahab-3 and the Qiam-1, have ranges of around 2,500 miles and could hit targets in Turkey and Greece. >>> Nick Meo in Brussels | Saturday, September 11, 2010

It is laudable that Anders Fogh Rasmussen is recommending that Europe protect itself from the Mullahs of Iran by way of a protective shield. But it should be remembered that defence, whilst important and necessary, is less effective than offence, which is clearly needed in the case of Iran and its quest for the nuclear bomb. Iran’s attempts to acquire such a bomb must be thwarted at each and every stage. Iran’s aspirations must be ended as soon as possible, whatever it takes. Such an unstable régime must never be allowed to become a nuclear power. – © Mark

NATO Calls on Russia to Help Build Missile Defense Shield

RUSSIA TODAY: NATO calls on Russia to help build missile defense shield: Speaking at a news conference in Brussels, Secretary General of NATO Andres Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance should bring Russia onboard as it plans to build a missile defense “roof” in Europe. >>> | Published April 19, 2010; Edited Apiril 20, 2010

Anger in Europe as Barack Obama 'Scraps Missile Defence Shield'
THE TELEGRAPH: Reports that US President Barack Obama is to scrap plans to deploy a missile defence shield in Poland and the Czech Republic have provoked anger in Europe.

Mr Obama, who is due to meet the Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev next week in New York, says he wants better ties with Russia . Photo: The Telegraph
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US is to shelve the plan, which was first mooted by the Bush administration and has been a source of friction with Russia ever since.

The move would be a cause of celebration in Moscow but of real concern to Eastern European countries which have looked to Washington for support against their former imperial master Russia. The US has said the shield is to guard against attacks by rogue states, such as Iran.

The former Czech prime minister, Mirek Topolanek, said: "This is not good news for the Czech state, for Czech freedom and independence. It puts us in a position wherein we are not firmly anchored in terms of partnership, security and alliance, and that's a certain threat."

The Polish deputy foreign minister, Andrzej Kremer, said that Warsaw had heard from different sources there were "serious chances" the anti-missile system would not be deployed.

Russian officials said they did not want to immediately comment on media reports that cited unidentified US officials. >>> | Thursday, September 17, 2009

U.S. Shelves Nuclear-Missile Shield: Czech Interim Prime Minister Gets Midnight Call
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: WASHINGTON -- The White House will shelve Bush administration plans to build a missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic, a move likely to cheer Moscow and roil the security debate in Europe.

Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell confirmed Thursday that a "major adjustment" is planned and said the decision was made to better protect U.S. forces and allies in Europe from Iranian missile attacks.

The U.S. is basing its move on a determination that Iran's long-range missile program hasn't progressed as rapidly as previously estimated, reducing the threat to the continental U.S. and major European capitals, according to current and former U.S. officials.

The findings, expected to be completed as early as next week following a 60-day review ordered by President Barack Obama, would be a major reversal from the Bush administration, which pushed aggressively to begin construction of the Eastern European system before leaving office in January.

Mr. Obama is expected to make a public announcement later today.

Russia on Thursday welcomed the news, but said it saw no reason to offer concessions in return. At one point earlier this year, Russia President Dmitry Medvedev threatened last November to station tactical Iskander missiles on Poland's border if the U.S. system was deployed. >>> Peter Spiegel | Thursday, September 17, 2009