A published report say the Obama administration is considering
alternatives to deploying missile defense bases in Poland and the Czech
Republic.
The New York Times reports Saturday that
administration officials have considered dropping either or both the
Polish and Czech missile defense sites in favor of sites in Turkey or
the Balkans. They are also said to be considering developing
land-based versions of the ship-based Aegis anti-missile systems.
Russia
has voiced strong opposition to U.S. plans to deploy a land-based
missile defense system in central Europe, saying it will trigger a new
arms race. The Times reports that officials in Washington say the
alternatives are not being considered to appease Russia, but to adjust
to what they say are increased threats from Iran.
The officials say no decisions have been made, and that various options are still under consideration.
Administration officials say they hope to end their review of the planned anti-missile system as early as next month.
Former
President George W. Bush was a strong advocate for the missile defense
system. President Barack Obama has been more skeptical.
U.S.
officials have insisted the system, in Poland and the Czech Republic,
in no way targets Russia or anyone else, and is aimed at countering a
possible attack from such states as Iran.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP.
