03/19/2008 (2:31 pm)
Bits and Pieces from the East
Two related stories that we’ll just have to watch, both by way of Hot Air:
The new, independent Kosovo was recognized by Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria.
Vladimir Putin received the US favorably at the beginning of missile defense talks.
Putin is the connecting link between the stories. Serbia is rattling sabers at whoever recognizes Kosovo, which so far includes the US, Britain, France, and Germany. Serbia is a traditional ally of Russia, and has been supported in the past by Putin. The fact that Putin is receiving the US warmly in this round of talks, which he has not done in the past, suggests that Serbia is being hung out to dry.
Ed Morrissey sounds hopeful that Putin is seeing the advantage of a missile defense shield to keep Iran in check. Could be. Let’s hope so. Sounds to me, though, like perhaps Putin may also be telling the Serbs that if they fight this, they’re on their own. They might fight it anyhow.
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2 Comments »
Comment by Old Mike
Putin’s rhetoric about our proposed missle shield has nothing to do with the missle shield or the balance of power. He knows that at best we might knock down a missle or two coming out of Iran with this system. It would do nothing against the kind of attack Russia could mount.
Comment by Phil
Partly correct, Mike. Knocking down a handful of missiles from Iran can effectively neutralize Iran’s missile capability, as a handful is all they’ve got. However, in the past Putin has objected to the missile shield in terms that suggest he doesn’t think it’s a shield, he thinks it can be used offensively against Russia. That doesn’t appear to be sticking in his craw this time. Either he’s been convinced that the system has no offensive purpose, or his rhetoric has changed because he’s got other fish to fry.
Either way, I think he’s telling the Serbs “You’re not getting my help on this Kosovo thing.”
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