Russia Threatens U.S. Over Missile Deal

Moscow Warns That Response To Missile Defense Pact With Poland Will Go Beyond Diplomacy

(CBS/ AP)  The United States and Poland signed a deal Wednesday to place a U.S. missile defense base just 115 miles from Russia - a move followed swiftly by a new warning from Moscow of a possible military response.

For many Poles - whose country has been a staunch U.S. ally in Iraq and Afghanistan - the accord represented what they believed would be a guarantee of safety for themselves in the face of a newly assertive Russia.

Negotiators sealed the deal last week against a backdrop of Russian military action in Georgia, a former Soviet republic turned U.S. ally, that has worried former Soviet satellites across eastern Europe. It prompted Moscow's sharpest rhetoric yet over the system, which it contends is aimed at Russia despite Washington's insistence the site is purely defensive.

After Wednesday's signing, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed any suggestion the 10 missile defense interceptors - which Washington says are intended to defend Europe and the U.S. from the possible threat of long-distance missiles from Iran - represent a threat to Russia.

"Missile defense, of course, is aimed at no one," Rice said. "It is in our defense that we do this."

She denounced an earlier threat from a Russian general to target NATO member Poland, possibly even with nuclear weapons, for accepting the facility.

Such comments "border on the bizarre, frankly," Rice told reporters in Warsaw. "The Russians are losing their credibility," she said, adding that Moscow would pay a price for its actions in Georgia, though she did not specify how.

"It's also the case that when you threaten Poland, you perhaps forget that it is not 1988," Rice said. "It's 2008 and the United States has a ... firm treaty guarantee to defend Poland's territory as if it was the territory of the United States. So it's probably not wise to throw these threats around."

Hours after the signing, Russia's Foreign Ministry warned that Moscow's response would go beyond diplomacy. The system to be based in Poland lacks "any target other than Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles," it said in a statement, contending the U.S. system "will be broadened and modernized."

"In this case Russia will be forced to react, and not only through diplomatic" channels, it said without elaborating.

Michael Mandelbaum, a foreign policy expert at Johns Hopkins University, told CBS News national security correspondent David Martin that placing missile defenses so close to its territory is a red line for Russia.

"No deployment of ballistic missile defense systems in their neighborhoods, at least not without their cooperation," Mandelbaum said.

Another red line: the two former Soviet republics of Ukraine and Georgia must not be allowed to join the NATO alliance, Martin adds.

"The Russian attitude is when we had a good reputation, we were pushed around by the West so maybe an edgy reputation, in the Russian view, isn't such a bad thing," Mandelbaum said.

The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in Washington criticized the deal, saying the U.S. missile interceptors are technologically unproven and will only confirm Russian suspicions the system is directed against Moscow and not at Iran.

The deal follows an earlier agreement to place the second component of the missile defense shield - a radar tracking system - in the neighboring Czech Republic, another formerly communist country now in NATO.

"We have achieved our main goals, which means that our country and the United States will be more secure," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told Rice after the signing.

Many Poles agreed. "After what happened in Georgia, I believe that this is good protection for us," said Kazimierz Dziuba, 49, a hospital worker in Warsaw.

The Georgian conflict "made the Americans agree to this deal sooner because the Russians are getting too bossy," Dziuba said.

Not all Poles were happy, however.

Alina Kesek, an 82-year-old retired office clerk who lived through World War II, when Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union divided Poland between them, and then experienced four decades of Moscow-dominated communist rule, said the Patriot missiles were a "kind of provocation" toward Russia.

"This means a threat from the Russian side," said Kesek. "I am not very pleased with this deal."

Some residents in the northern Polish town of Redzikowo, where the missile defense facility will be located, fear it may expose them to retaliatory attacks or other dangers.

Along with the main deal, the two nations signed a so-called "declaration on strategic cooperation," which is to deepen their military and political partnership.

It includes a mutual commitment to come to each other's assistance immediately if one is under attack - enhancing existing obligations both have as NATO members.

The declaration also was accompanied by a promise from the U.S. to help modernize Poland's armed forces and to place a battery of Patriot missiles there by 2012.

Rice said the deal "will help both the alliance and Poland and the United States respond to the coming threats."

Poland and the United States spent a year and a half in formal talks, which snagged in the final phase on Poland's demands for the Patriot missiles and other points.

However, the deepening U.S.-Polish friendship dominated Wednesday's proceedings.

"In troubled times the most important thing is to have friends," Rice said. "But it is more important to have friends who share your values and your aspirations and your dreams. And Poland and the United States are those kind of friends."

Approval for the missile defense sites is still needed from the Czech and Polish parliaments. No date has been set for lawmakers in Warsaw to vote, but the deal enjoys the support of the largest opposition party as well as of the government.

[michaelm07]

I live in a former communist country and I simply cannot understand the logic of the Soviets - oops, I meant to say Russians. Tommorrow is the 40th Anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and the Russian moves have had an ooposite effect on their former client states. It ha just hardened their oppostion to Russia and strengthened former Soviet Bloc countries drift westward. So why should the Polish move be a surprise. Regardless of the finger pointing of who shot first in Georgia, the Russian response and actions of the last few days have backfired on them. What were/are the Russians thinking. But from the perspective here in Central Eastern Europe Poland was justified and not the only one hardening their stance and considering western European nation are showing no backbone, the U.S. should stand by the countries that have shown more loyalty than traditional allies.

[michaelm07]

BTW anon00,

Yes, the majority are against it but the numbers you quote are months old but you''re stretching things a bit, by saying 70% are "vehemently" against the missile radar. I am sitting here on Vaclavske namesti in Prague and you must be reading some different info.

[ahrats]

Of course the Bush administration went through with this deal, they wont have to live with the conciquences when Russia invades Poland or bombs the missile site. Nato will do nothing because most of the members need Russian Oil and gas. The U.S. can not do much because of present commitments in the Middle East. Russia knows it got Europe by the gonads and will not do anything stop the flow of their need energy resouses. Cold war II here we come.

[tapsettle]

Just when you think no country can be more intellectually challenged than america, two pop up in the same month ! Georgia and Poland are now 1 and 2 respectively in the non-thinking nations league, with america unexpectedly relegated to 3rd for the first time in nearly 8 years.

[pirmin3]

Russia could use the same "logic" the Bushit mafia used in Iraq to take out the missile site in Poland and the radar in the Czech Republic. I really don''t think Putin would hesitate.

[tapsettle]

I really don''t think Putin would hesitate.
Posted by pirmin3

He sure wont. Watch out for a statement from him soon, and the US better listen because, unlike Bush, when Putin says he is going to do something ... he does it.

[michaelm07]

Tapsettle,
I suppose you are more expert at what a ''thinking'' nation is. Please, enlighten us. Is Russia a thinking nation? They don''t seem to be on your list.

[crazyivan32]

anon00,

You''re an arrogant pri-ck. Not all of us here in America have suffered from having a public school education. I''ve been to your little backwater country and things aren''t so peachy keen there either. So get off your high horse.

Personally, I agree with you about the missile defense shield. Why on earth should America be paying to protect the likes of you and your oh-so-educated population? As far as I''m concerned, you can take care of yourselves. Good luck...

[tapsettle]

Is Russia a thinking nation? They don''''t seem to be on your list.
Posted by Michaelm07

Yes, I think modern Russia is a thinking nation, and although you wouldn''t know it from US corporate media, I believe they did a great job humiliating Bush and Rice over the last two weeks. They have so much up their sleeves too - NATO needs Russias permission to cross its territory into Afghanistan, and to pressure the likes of Iran on nuclear issues. Europe needs Russias natural resources, and it wont be long before they need its membership in the EU. Yes, I think Russia knows what it is doing, and Putin seems to be a brilliant strategist who is very popular with his people.

[georgew1956]

if bush and cheany wasn''t in the picture would we back condi a little more?

[underdogus87]

China and Russia Are Set to Begin Joint Military Exercises Today Wednesday, August 20, 2008

[tapsettle]

if bush and cheany wasn''''t in the picture would we back condi a little more?
Posted by georgew1956

Why the heck would you? She has played at least her part in the provocative war-mongering of this administration, helping to downgrade global perception of US integrity to below Cyprus. Why the heck would anybody back her?

[kazoodan]

Here, in the Czech Republic (one of Poland''''s neighbors, for those readers who have an American public school education) ...

Posted by anon00 at 06:37 AM : Aug 20, 2008

----------

Are you insane with this comment? Or just a Republican in disguise?

[georgew1956]

if that is the case why would Mcain even waiste his time running!

[whitemale08]

...there goes the neighborhood POOF!

and we can say goodbye to our little white rearends!

thx...Boy George and Condoleeza Con.

[michaelm07]

Well Tapsettle, you seem pretty impressed with Putin and Russia. Good for you and everyone is entitled to an opinion. I would politely disagree and say if Russia is so smart why have they so badly miscalculated with the stiffening of the former Eatern Bloc nations opposition to them. Force is good sometimes but you catch more flies with honey and not vinegar. The Russians never seem to understand the difference.
As for oil, using oil as leverage does require a little thought, but it is probably more akin to extortion. Putin is who he is so there should be no surpirse. Scheming yes, thinking - not really. But I would agree that the U.S. has not been thinking when it comes to letting it''s guard down by mistakenly thinking the Cold War was over. The day George Bush looked into Putin''s eyes and said he found a man he could trust, was a supreme blunder.

[kazoodan]

if bush and cheany wasn''''t in the picture would we back condi a little more?

Posted by georgew1956 at 07:24 AM : Aug 20, 2008

------

I doubt it. By the way, why isn''t Condi wearing a flag pin? Why does she hate America?

[tapsettle]

if that is the case why would Mcain even waiste his time running!
Posted by georgew1956

Maybe you should ask him. If you catch him on a good day, he may even give you a coherent answer ... don''t expect too much though.

[tapsettle]

The day George Bush looked into Putin''''s eyes and said he found a man he could trust, was a supreme blunder.
Posted by Michaelm07

I''d say it was more of a PR misjudgement. He has consistently underestimated Putin, and to continue to do so would be a supreme blunder ... for us all.

[chimpyout]

Should there be a meeting of the UN''s Security Council,since the "coalition of the willing" is up to dirty tricks?

Nah--if Poland, Israel, Honduras and Samoa are with us, who dares be against us?

[tapsettle]

I doubt it. By the way, why isn''''t Condi wearing a flag pin? Why does she hate America?
Posted by kazoodan

What is it with you guys and your flag pins. I am the last person to defend condi but for goodness sake will you just GET OVER YOURSELVES ?? It''s just a flag pin - it does not determine love and/or hate.

[underdogus87]

BREAKING NEWS:Deal has angered Russia which warns it opens up Poland to attack....GET READY FOR WW3!! game over!!

[whitemale08]

...and you thought 3 months ago on these posts that I was speaking in hyperbole when I said "in the end the crashing of the Global Financial System will result in nuclear war and just like in the movie ''Childeren of Men''"...

Do you doubt me now?

Can''t you see why everyone has to evacuate? I am.

And can''t you see that all Presidents are just puppets who performs for their puppet masters?

[pensacola88]

I applaud Secretary of State Condelezza Rice for working through and achieving this. It is clear that the State Department still works, even with just a few more months of opportunity. It is also clear they understand that our foes work even harder when there is an opportunity to have a changing of the guards in the White House.

The Missile Shield in Poland is a great bargaining chip. Many will now feel the addition of Polish resolve in the future of Russian politics.

[tapsettle]

Posted by tuckerndfw

I agree and think it is very likely that Russia will arrange for similar ''defenses'' close to the US, as has already been reported in ITAR-TASS. When they do, once again the US will huff and puff under a veil of hypocracy, and once again Russia will largely ignore them, and once again america will probably do nothing, and once again we will have a dangerous stand-off.

[jmurrieta1]

It''s just amazing how the Bushit-Cheney regime has turned a relatively peaceful end to the Cold War back into another armed standoff.

It''s almost like they long for the good old days when the Russians were putting nukes in Cuba. There was a lot of money to be made then by the military-industrial complex.

And the system, which would have to be located in Antarctica to be less useful in blocking missiles flying from Iran or North Korea to the US, certainly provoked the Russians into their expedition in Gruziya (Georgia).

It''s called war-mongering, and McCain has a premier subscription. McCain''s stupid threats continue the inanity, and insanity, of the Bushit-Cheney regime.

And McCain''s threats are stupid, and not a general in the Pentagon would stand by as US forces were landed on a Black Sea beach to take on the Russian Army. That would be a death sentence. Let McCain volunteer for a solo mission to retake Abkhazia!

[kazoodan]

It was sarcasm. Remember all the bloviating about Obama not wearing one?

[underdogus87]

Can''''t you see why everyone has to evacuate? I am.

And can''''t you see that all Presidents are just puppets who performs for their puppet masters? Posted by whitemale08 yep I agree with you..Americans are asleep at the wheel...

[underdogus87]

why isn''''''''t Condi wearing a flag pin? Remember all the bloviating about Obama not wearing one? yep they''re asleep at the wheel.........

[jmurrieta1]

Q: "How does a Polish man protect himself from a sneak attack?"
A: "He makes himself a target so there won''t be any surprises".

[whitemale08]

The Missile Shield in Poland is a great bargaining chip. Many will now feel the addition of Polish resolve in the future of Russian politics.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Pensacola88 at 07:51 AM : Aug 20, 2008--

First of all, this was all planned years ago in Bzrenski''s book "The Grand Chessboard" and when Poland''s Prime Minister said a few weeks that it wouldn''t sign the "missel-defense" deal, to watch out for a "scandel" or "crisis".

And sure enough Darth Cheney was working on a "crisis" back in the "shadows" and "dark places".

Now look! Poland is signing the "missel defense" deal.

But what you don''t understand and even Condoleeza Con doesn''t understand is that they know Russia is not going to give up oil-pipeline access to the Caspian Sea.

So that means they will use "thermo-nuclear war" to reduce the population just like so-called Prince Phillip of England has called for and Prince Bandehar of the Netherlands.

So you''re not "cute" in saying what your saying, just "stupid" and "ignorant".

[tapsettle]

Breaking news Reuters Headline: Republican John McCain has opened a 5-point lead on Democrat Barack Obama in the U.S. presidential race.

Do you see what I mean about why the world perceives america to be so stupid? After the last 8 years, how can so many americans not see the catastrophy of this thinking? Thankfully, also in the news is a report about an increase to 20 percent of american women going through life childless. Maybe this is natures way of reducing stupidity on the planet.

[underdogus87]

THE US IS GOING TO WAR WITH RUSSIA: WWIII HAS BEGUN

This video captures an interview between FOX NEWS Trace Gallagher and Col. Tom McInerney, a FOX NEWS consultant whose credentials indicate he has a vested interest in seeing the U.S. at war with ANYONE.

http://www.youtube.com/v/qJFnIgMTir8&hl=en&fs=1

[ajaxtheleast]

So this is IT !!??

The SUBSTITUTE for military intervention
to stop The Bad Man Sadda,,,
I mean The Bad Man Putin !!??,,,,
Condileeza Rice SHAKING HANDS with
The POLISH PRESIDENT !!??

And the DEMS?? THEY are the ones
afraid to fight!??

Oh I see, the best way to avoid being
accused as having "cut and run" is to
not to show up for the battle
in the first place

Bush made a quick right turn onto Wimply AVE.
with Putin just a bit farther on down
Gung Ho Boulevard.

Miss Otis regrets that she is
unable to dine with you tonight.

[tapsettle]

Posted by underdogus87

There has been much speculation that the US and NATO stoked the trouble in Georgia as a distraction to advancing preparations to attack Iran, as well as trying to hurt Russia via manipulative international condemnation. If the US attacks Iran, I hope the US and its allies are severely repelled, as much of the planet has suffered enough already at their hands.

[underdogus87]

AUGUST ALREADY TOPS JULY IN US DEATHS IN IRAQ: 2 MORE GIS COMMIT SUICIDE


U.S. Death Toll in Iraq for August Already Tops July -- As Two More Soldier Suicides Reported

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/greg-mitchell/us-death-toll-in-iraq-for_b_119396.html

[petro49l]

Poland does not need U.S. missiles. The military base will lead to a confrontation like between Russia and Georgia. In the beginning, Poland will receive the first missile strike. But in the end, Russia would launch a thermo-nuclear missile barrage at America. Modern satellites makes it a simple move. George W. Bush argues that the United States could thwart the firing of Russian missiles with radar, satellite, and tracking technology. He will only succeed destroying the world by a nuclear exchange.

[chad55555]

I don''t see any good from this push at this time,Russia and China have been watching USA very clear what their plans are,We better think about building up our military FAST(draft).They know our military weakness from Iraq and how much we are spread out over the world.With election very near and knowing people in America have a very difficult time sticking with one another on any issue. IT"S NO TELLING WHAT RUSSIA AND CHINA MIGHT TRY.CHINA IS HAVING A ROUGH TIME WITH IT"S POLITICAL POWERS AND RUSSIA AND CHINA HAVE A FOOD SUPPLY PROBLEM. HUNGRY PEOPLE WILL DO ANYTHING TO ANYBODY.I HOPE OUR LEADERS KEEP AN EYE ON THIS PROBLEM.WE NEVER THOUGHT JAPAN WOULD DO WHAT THEY DID.LET"S HOPE ALL PEOPLE ON ALL SIDES THINK THIS OUT BEFORE WE TURN TO PUSH BUTTONS.

[panhandlpete]

So Condi and the Polish leader signed a DEAL on the missile defense system. Aren''t treaties supposed to be approved by Congress according to our Constitution? Why must the US continue to spend, spend on military might? We arm every little country, then pull strings on the puppets, and play war games whenever wanted. What a way to control the population explosion of this planet!

This Administration has failed miserably to further the efforts of the "one world order" supporters to globalize our every enterprise/industry, BUT, they are working around the clock to do whatever damage they can till they have to leave office. January cannot come soon enough.

[donevis-2009]

Unbelievable!! The idiots stick the bear in the bottom end with a hot poker called Georgia. Now they poke him in the eye with Poland. THEN tell them "we''re not afraid of you". They get to go to underground bunkers stocked with provisions where they can go hide in while we get to watch the mushroom clouds rise. Thanks Idiots.

[underdogus87]

WORLD WAR 3 IS UPON US. "OPERATION BRIMSTONE" US FLEET STEAMS TOWARD IRAN:We all knew this was on its way...The timing was perfect for the world world elite to make their move, and now that its set in motion, there is little we can do to stop it. do NOT believe ANYTHING the media tells you. It does NOT matter who started the war, it already happened and no is the time that WE THE PEOPLE of the United States and the WORLD for that matter start stocking up and moving your supplies to a basement, bunker, shelter, etc. Anything underground. The deeper the better. *sigh*

[leftyintexas]

So Condi and the Polish leader signed a DEAL on the missile defense system. Aren''''t treaties supposed to be approved by Congress according to our Constitution? Why must the US continue to spend, spend on military might? We arm every little country, then pull strings on the puppets, and play war games whenever wanted. What a way to control the population explosion of this planet!

This Administration has failed miserably to further the efforts of the "one world order" supporters to globalize our every enterprise/industry, BUT, they are working around the clock to do whatever damage they can till they have to leave office. January cannot come soon enough.

Posted by panhandlpete at 08:40 AM : Aug 20, 2008

I couldn''t have said it any better than you did. This is absolutely the WORST administration ever to enter the White House. A two year old could do a better job than bush of running the country. And some have the nerve to question OBAMA''S experience in foreign affairs! If we elect McCain, then this country deserves what it gets...and I don''t mean anything GOOD either!

[underdogus87]

Over 50 ships are headed to Iran rite now! this is one of the most massive fleets ever assembled and are now headed towards Iran it''s likely Russia and China may opposse this naval,this could be the most dangerous sea confrontations in history,looks like is downhill from here, stock up on food.....

[gocubs58]

Two of the biggest dumba$$es on the planet,DUMBYA and Condom, make yet another major blunder by installing missles on Russia''''s doorstep. DUMBYA is just begging to start yet another major war before he leaves office...and it may just happen.

Posted by Leftyintexas

-------

I agree. January can''t get here fast enough for the USA.....but if it''s McSame taking the oath then God help us all.

[dixxson-2009]

Bush is following the same strategy as Saddam Hussein after the Kuwait invasion.
The Burnt Earth Policy.
Whoever follows, Takes over a Sinking Ship
and makes Bush look good, in his eyes!

[tangula-2009]

I think Mr. Kaczynski%u2019s government has made a dangerous mistake which would put the Poles under the possible nuclear strike from Russia, if Russia was engaged a full military confrontation with the U.S. How much protection these Patriot missiles will offer if military conflicts happen between Poland and Russia? We have already seen how easily the Georgian military force, trained and armed by U.S., were easily crushed and humiliated by Russian army. So, it%u2019s clear that Poles also can not count on several military devices or the doubtful assistance from U.S. or NATO to resist the Russia bear if it is really mad at the Poles and take actions without considering the consequences. The Poles%u2019 government should count on wisdom to live peacefully between the super-powers and maximize the fundamental interests for its people, especially amid the current delicate situation. By signing the deal at this time around do nothing good to the Poles and the world at large.

[beehive21-2009]

This is nothing,compared too the fifties,when we got under our desk for nuke drills, at school.

[iuphockey12]

THIS JUST IN:

Poland builds spectacular modern submarine with a screen door. They can also have ice in their beverages now because they found the recipe to make ice!

[missingamerica]

Anyway you look at it, Bush, Condi, and the rest of the neocons are banging the drums of war hard...but will they show up for the fight?

Or will they be with Cheney in "an undisclosed location"?

[lochlan-2009]

I think we can pretty much guarantee that Russia is going to put missiles in Cuba now, and Georgia will be the bargaining chip for the escalation level of this issue by the Bush Administrations agressive action. He''s not fooling anyone that these missiles going in Poland will be pointed at Russian missiles. So who is Russia going to attack that we need these, or are we going to antagonize them by attacking Iran or another of their allies?