U.S. Sticks to Its Missiles in Eastern Europe

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is shooting down a proposition from Russia to swap out the U.S.‘s planned missile shield in Eastern Europe for a radar system in Azerbaijan, according to the Associated Press.  Meanwhile, ABC News reports that higher-ups from Russia’s Energia Space Rocket Corp. are concerned that U.S.-originated equipment aboard the space station may have caused a “fatal flaw” in the works.

AP via My Way News:

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Gates said that despite strident Russian opposition, the U.S. will proceed with its plans for a radar system in the Czech Republic to watch for missile threats and 10 interceptor rockets in Poland to shoot down any missiles.

Gates dismissed any notion that Russia’s push for joint use of a radar station in Azerbaijan could replace the broader U.S. plan. And he expressed doubts that there could be any agreement with the Russians by next month, when President Bush is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Kennebunkport, Maine.

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AP Photo / David Zalubowski

This won’t fly:  Robert Gates (pictured at the Air Force Academy graduation on May 30, 2007) won’t accept Russia’s proposed change in plans for a U.S. missile shield in Europe.