Proposed US radar station in Czech Republic aims to track ballastic missile launches from Iran. Photograph: APFrom The Guardian:
Russia warns of retaliation after Prague signs US 'star wars' pact
· Czechs to host radar but Poles want Patriot missiles
· Russians 'extremely upset' and considering retaliation
Dmitry Medvedev today warned Russia may take retaliatory steps after being "extremely upset" by a US defence pact with the Czech Republic.
The Russian president reacted angrily yesterday after the Bush administration capped a five-year campaign to extend its controversial "star wars" missile shield project from the US to Europe by signing a deal to build a radar station south of Prague.
The first formal agreement between the US and central Europe on the defence scheme instantly prompted threats from Moscow that it would retaliate militarily if the agreement is ratified.
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More News on U.S. - Russia Relations
Medvedev on collision course with US over missiles and Mugabe sanctions -- Times Online
Russia threatens military response to US missile defence deal -- Times Online
Russia 'extremely upset' over U.S.-Czech deal -- MSNBC
Russia 'upset' by US shield plans -- BBC News
Czech missile shield: Russia to 'retaliate' over US plan, President Dmitry Medvedev says -- Telegraph
Russian threat over US shield -- The Independent
My Comment: Medvedev is the new ruler of Russia. He has to show his "toughness" in front of the Russian people. Using the U.S. Missile Defense system as his whipping boy, he has been effective in Russia of not only showing his independence from Ex-President Putin, but also showing his independence from the United States.
Russia is not in the military position to take on the United States and its allies. Its armed forces are still weak, and will be for decades to come. It will leverage its power on small states like Georgia and Lithuania, and will use Europe's dependence on its natural gas and oil for concessions. This "crisis" will decrease with time.
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