Russia's posture disconnected from actual strategic conditions
Contrary to Vladimir Putin's assertions, the antimissile shield project does not "fundamentally" change "the balance of the international system." Nevertheless, according to the experts who analysed the Russian president's remarks yesterday, his threat to target missiles on European territory lies within the context of the reformulation of security ties between some Eastern European countries and the United States.
"The fact that Poland and the Czech Republic accept the deployment of the US system on their territory constitutes an attempt on their part to forge a new partnership with Washington," according to Bruno Gruselle, senior research fellow at the Strategic Research Foundation (FRS.) This expert believes that Russia's attitude "corresponds to a political posture largely disconnected from actual strategic conditions." He said that in fact "10 US interceptors in Poland will in no way alter the strategic situation." According to military experts, US interceptors near the Russian border would not be effective against Russia's nuclear forces, which are much too remote, whether on submarines cruising in the Barents Sea or in silos located in central Russia.
The Russian president's assertion that "for the first time in history there will be elements of a US nuclear system in Europe" is not justified either, partly in view of the US strategic bombers that have long been stationed in Germany. Furthermore the antimissile forces' command centre will be separate from that of the nuclear forces.
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1) Russia's posture disconnected from actual strategic conditions
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
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