The recent agreement to place US Missile Defence interceptor missiles in Poland is a destabilising move that will have profound effects for years to come. Missile Defence is widely understood to allow the US to attack other countries without fear of retaliation. The US system, which will also include a new radar base in the Czech Republic and two bases in Britain, puts the citizens of these countries on the front line in future US wars.

The positioning of US missiles less than 120 miles from the nearest Russian territory has brought a strong response from Moscow, which feels itself to be the target of the US system. At this time of increased international tension over Georgia, the addition of more US military systems to Eastern Europe is highly provocative.

Despite strong opposition amongst the Czech public, their government has agreed to host a US radar station, but public pressure may still scupper the deal. The treaty must be ratified by the Czech Parliament which is evenly split on the issue. The opposition of 70% of the public may yet prevent its passage in October, but if it goes ahead the destabilisation and damage to international relations will be enormous.

CND - campaign for nuclear disarmament
http://www.cnduk.org/