Russia: Medvedev's statement on American missile defence system in Europe

Let’s first look at the Russian perspective on this.

Historically, Russia’s main fear has always been “encirclement” by hostile powers - and this has determined their foreign policy for many decades.

Imagine that they are overjoyed to be surrounded by American military bases in Central Asia and to have a missile defence system clearly aimed at them, in neighbouring countries?

and the American side of the same story:

Medvedev threatens to target U.S. missile shield in Europe if no deal is reached

Washington Post,

24 November, 2011

MOSCOW — President Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday that Russia will target the American missile defense system in Europe with its missiles if Moscow cannot reach an agreement with Washington and NATO on how the system will be built and operated.

Medvedev, who is leading the ruling United Russia party to the polls in the country’s Dec. 4 parliamentary elections, accused the United States and its NATO allies of failing to negotiate with Russia in good faith, and he said Russia reserved the right to halt its arms-control efforts.

“Unfortunately, the United States and other NATO partners have not demonstrated serious readiness to move,” he said in a televised address.

His declaration comes after a week of bellicose statements by Russian officials about NATO. Much of the rhetoric has focused on the prospect of NATO expansion, which is not under discussion but which is an ever-handy political touchstone for Russian military and nationalist groups.

For article GO HERE