The (Missile) Defense Rests

Today, Defense Secretary Robert Gates offered an olive branch to Russia over the proposed European-based missile defense sites by proposing their delayed activation.

We would consider tying together activation of the sites in Poland and the Czech Republic with definitive proof of the threat - in other words, Iranian missile testing and so on.

This is a departure from the Bush Administration’s previous position.  Russia has strenuously objected to this course of action from the outset but President Bush has not compromised over the radar and missile sites in Poland and Czech Republic, even when Russia offered the use of one of its existing radar sites. 

I’m glad to see the U.S. attempt to defuse the mounting tensions, although today’s offer was probably driven by the deteriorating political support in the host countries.  With its recent oil wealth, Russia has been increasingly active on the international stage, and accordingly, has interjected itself into nearly every significant foreign policy issue of the past five years.  It routinely exercises its Security Council veto much to the disappointment of Washington and many NATO members.  The end result is a very relevant Russian Federation, which can hinder or obstruct American plans.

The smart play by the U.S. at this point is to abandon these controversial missile defense sites in exchange for Russian support and intervention in Iran’s nuclear pursuits.  The declared purpose of the radar and missile sites is to defeat a missile threat from rogue Middle Eastern countries, that is, Iran.  If the U.S. can secure Russia’s support for tougher sanctions with harsh penalties for non-compliance then the U.S. should table its European missile defense plans (until Russia fails to live up to its end of the bargain). 

This tactic allows Russia to avoid the perceived affront to its power, and the U.S. finally gets meaningful action on Iran, one of the White House’s top international goals.  This diplomatic standoff clearly has the potential to turn into a win-win situation.