President Obama Announces New Missile Defense Plan Will Be “Stronger, Smarter and Swifter”
EmailIn a hastily-arranged statement before cameras, President Obama explained why he has decided to scrap President George W. Bush's plans for permanent missile defense program to be based in the Czech Republic and Poland, opting instead for a more mobile system that he said would "provide stronger, smarter and swifter defenses of American forces and America's allies."
Saying that "Iran's ballistic missile program poses a significant threat," the president said he was committed to "strong missile defense systems which are adaptable to the threats of the 21st century" and "utilizes technology that is both proven and cost effective."
After what he called a "comprehensive assessment of our missile defense program in Europe, the president said he "approved the unanimous recommendations of my secretary of defense and my Joint Chiefs of Staff" to go forward with the new system, which the administration says will be made up of increasingly-capable land- and sea-based missile interceptors, primarily upgraded versions of the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) and a range of censors in Europe.
The system will begin to be phased in within the next two years, with the final phase to be completed by 2020.
The President said the system is "more comprehensive than the previous program" and "deploys capabilities that are proven and cost-effective."
The President's general-election opponent, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told ABC News that he had not been briefed on the anouncement, and he wasn't exactly sure he knew what constituted the new more mobile system.
"I haven't heard of it," McCain said. The new system, he added, "is certainly unproven technology."
But, Mr. McCain said, "most important, we made a commitment to the Czech and Polish governments. Now we go and tell them we're abrogating that agreement? Is that the way you treat friends and allies?"
McCain called the announcement "ham-fisted" and said he was concerned that the move "can only be construed in some quarters — Ukraine, Georgia, Poland, the Czech Republic and others — as acceding to the threats and bullying of Vladimir Putin."
The White House denied that, with press secretary Robert Gibbs saying the Russia had nothing to do with the decision, and that allies would appreciate the decision once they learned more about the system.
President Obama said the decision was rooted in two factors.
"First, we have updated our intelligence assessment of Iran's missile programs, which emphasizes the threat posed by Iran's short and medium-range missiles, which are capable of reaching Europe," he said.
Second, the president continued, "we have made specific and proven advances in our missile defense technology, particularly with regard to land- and sea-based interceptors and the sensors that support them."
McCain said he was confused by the support for the new plan by Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mullen.
"In all due respect, before November 3 they were in favor of this (previous) agreement and largely in favor of it," he said.
President Obama said this morning that his administration has "repeatedly made clear to Russia that its concerns about our previous missile defense programs were entirely unfounded. Our clear and consistent focus has been the threat posed by Iran's ballistic missile program … We welcome Russians' cooperation to bring its missile defense capabilities into a broader defense of our common strategic interests, even as we continue to — we continue our shared efforts to end Iran's illicit nuclear program."
- jpt
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Somebody should tell the Eastern Europeans that they’re simply wrong to be concerned. I guess the talking points haven’t reached them yet.
Posted by: Fructuoso Solano-Revuelta | September 17, 2009, 12:15 pm 12:15 pm
“In a hastily-arranged statement before cameras, President Obama…”
Representative of our Boy King’s decision-making process in general…
“we have made specific and proven advances in our missile defense technology, particularly with regard to land- and sea-based interceptors and the sensors that support them.”
Isn’t the Boy King cutting missile defense spending?
Obama is weak and the Russians, Iran, N. Korea, and Venezuela know it. He continues to throw allies “under the bus” while appeasing potential threats to U.S. interests and security.
BTW – Great timing, Barry. You do know that today marks the 70th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of E. Poland, right? Sadly, you probably do…
Posted by: tjp612 | September 17, 2009, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm
I wonder if Asst. Sec. of Defense William Lynn’s former employer (Raytheon, Linn was former SVP prior to joining Obama Admin.) will receive Defense contracts for this “more agile” system nobody seems to know about.
Remember Lynn? He received an “ethics-rule waiver” to skirt The One’s “No Lobbyists in My Administration” promise.
Posted by: tjp612 | September 17, 2009, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
“The new system would be ‘both more agile and more effective and will come on-lines sooner than the existing program,’ the official said.”
Except that NOBODY has heard about this until today.
Sounds like the serial lie that government run healthcare will be paid for with “savings”……sweet, magical, wonderful savings–raining down from the sky like gumdrops.
Posted by: Appeasement Czar | September 17, 2009, 12:35 pm 12:35 pm
“Hastily arranged statement…”
“The President’s general-election opponent, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee…”
________________________
Thanks Political Punch for the leading and misleading statements preceding your argument. yes, argument – not journalism.
Who decided the statement was hastily arranged? ..you?
Why is Senator McCain important to this?
The Presidential election was last November, why is this pertinent to this subject? Why would Senator McCain he know the details?
This article is pure sensationalism.
Posted by: gus amaral | September 17, 2009, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm
President Carter was right.
Posted by: Birch Beer | September 17, 2009, 12:38 pm 12:38 pm
This guy doesn’t know an SM-3 from an Estes rocket.(I’ve seen both-my kids go through more engines than cornflakes.) The SM-3 is a derivative of the original Standard ship-borne anti-aircraft (and hopefully anti-missle) missle.They have been intergrated into Naval anti-missle systems and may have promise.However,why the hell he would announce this on the anniversary of Stalin invading Poland in 1939 is beyond me. Is he that stupid that he would not see the symbolism of this act in Eastern Europe (and for that matter,Russia)?
Posted by: Nephron | September 17, 2009, 12:41 pm 12:41 pm
The Soviets invaded Poland on September 17, 1939 and Obama scrapped the missile defense plan on September 17, 2009. There are no coincidences with this administration. Too cute by half.
Posted by: ConservativeWoman | September 17, 2009, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
“Why is Senator McCain important to this? Why would Senator McCain he know the details?”
I dunno, perhaps because he is the ranking minority member of the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services?
Posted by: tjp612 | September 17, 2009, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
Somebody should tell the Eastern Europeans that they’re simply wrong to be concerned. I guess the talking points haven’t reached them yet.
Possible racism…
Posted by: Jimmy C. | September 17, 2009, 12:54 pm 12:54 pm
I heard in the NYT that Carl Levin is aware of the action.
Posted by: Carl C. | September 17, 2009, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm
McCain called the announcement “ham-fisted” and said he was concerned that the move “can only be construed in some quarters — Ukraine, Georgia, Poland, the Czech Republic and others — as acceding to the threats and bullying of Vladimir Putin.”
_______________________________
English, bottom-line Translation:
“It’s still all about the oil”
Posted by: my73 | September 17, 2009, 1:00 pm 1:00 pm
hey, but that was was a great campaign speech he gave to college students in maryland today. the chants etc. he got the crowd going like it was a football game or something.he can talk talk and ad talk, so convicingly that beacame a democrat today and am ready to do anything the president suggests. hah
Posted by: catman | September 17, 2009, 1:07 pm 1:07 pm
I guess Obama needed the cash to fund….wait for it….
The ACORN Legal Defense Shield.
Seriously, let the Europeans take care of themselves. We can not afford to be playing the world police any longer. Corruption in our government, out of control taxes at all levels and 20 million illegals being brought into the country to boslter Dem voting rolls are all much, much bigger fish to fry.
Posted by: Sam Adams | September 17, 2009, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
American foreign policy is stuck on stupid.
Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn | September 17, 2009, 1:11 pm 1:11 pm
“The Soviets invaded Poland on September 17, 1939 and Obama scrapped the missile defense plan on September 17, 2009.”
So which right wing talking head is mentioning this?
You’re the 3rd parrot today to squawk it.
Posted by: Ryan C | September 17, 2009, 1:33 pm 1:33 pm
New missile defense plan entails striking the big investment banks and the capitol building in order to take out those that have ruined the country.
Posted by: Huh | September 17, 2009, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
Ryan (ctrl) C -
“So which right wing talking head is mentioning this? You’re the 3rd parrot today to squawk it.”
See comments from “President Obama to Replace Bush’s Permanent Missile Defense Shield Plans with “More Agile” System” post.
Nice try though. Great timing by your Messiah – The $64k question is “Is timing intentional or more Obama incompetence?” Tough call.
Posted by: tjp612 | September 17, 2009, 1:56 pm 1:56 pm
“The Soviets invaded Poland on September 17, 1939 and Obama scrapped the missile defense plan on September 17, 2009.”
“So which right wing talking head is mentioning this?
You’re the 3rd parrot today to squawk it.”
Posted by: Ryan C | Sep 17, 2009 1:33:42 PM
Because this isn’t just insensitive timing by Obama, it is a deliberate kick in the groin to Poland and the free peoples of Eastern Europe. Putin probably insisted that The One announce his plans today.
Posted by: Appeasement Czar | September 17, 2009, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
Ryan C,you don’t have to be a talking head to know history,which apparently Barack Obama doesn’t. Maybe his next step is to promote December 7th as “Japanese Hawaiian Investment Day” or November 22 as “National Schoolbook Depository Day”.Of course, he believed that Americans liberated Auschwitz-he apparently thought that the Elbe was between the finga and the shoulda.
Posted by: Nephron | September 17, 2009, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
“Putin probably insisted that The One announce his plans today.”
Close:
MOSCOW (AP) – President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday praised the decision by the Obama administration to scrap plans for a missile defense system in Eastern Europe, calling it a “responsible move.”
Posted by: Ivan G. | September 17, 2009, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
-Nice try though. Great timing by your Messiah – The $64k question is “Is timing intentional or more Obama incompetence?” Tough call.-
Incompetence. Nothing like being historically challenged!
Posted by: Busted | September 17, 2009, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
The missile system which no one has heard about will be ready, maybe, by 2020…
This is beyond stupidity.
And Iran, which already has missiles that can reach the middle of Europe, is not going to improve their capability in the next 10 years???
Bottom line: Green light for an attack by Israel on Iran.
Posted by: rindo | September 17, 2009, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
“So which right wing talking head is mentioning this?
You’re the 3rd parrot today to squawk it. ”
Anyone who is aware of world history would know this important date.
Posted by: Sigmonde | September 17, 2009, 5:29 pm 5:29 pm
“Ryan C,you don’t have to be a talking head to know history,which apparently Barack Obama doesn’t.”
ROFLMAO!
Seriously you parrots are so obvious.
I know its a bad day for you as a birther.
1 Case dismissed, another to be dismissed in a couple of weeks.
Poor Orly is gonna get slammed with sanctions after accusing the judge of treason.
“Of course, he believed that Americans liberated Auschwitz-”
Yeah silly him for confusing Buchenwald with Auschwitz in terms of which camp his grandfather helped liberate.
Obama should have claimed HE liberated Auschwitz like Reagan did.
Posted by: Ryan C | September 17, 2009, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm
Europe will be without a missile defense for a lot longer than 10 years. Obama is shutting down R&D and new programs at record speed. he’s going to make Carter look like Reagan by the time he’s done.
He’s pulling facts out of thin air and making it up as he goes. Too bad more and more people have caught on to this flim flam man. I just hope we survive.
Posted by: matt | September 17, 2009, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
“Anyone who is aware of world history would know this important date.”
The invasion of Poland and the subsequent declaration of war by the Allies a couple days later certainly.
The Soviet invasion two weeks after that?
Its always amusing to hear you guys parrot something obscure than claim that everyone who knows things knows that.
I guess that why right wing lies work so well on the gullible.
They think they have special knowledge.
Posted by: Ryan C | September 17, 2009, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm
Let’s examine the sequence of events:
1. Barry treated to a nearly hour-long discourse by Putin on the history of the US-Russian relationship since the Cold War, and ways he felt Russia had been slighted by the US.
2. Barry sees photos of bare-chested Putin riding horses around Lake Baikal.
3. Barry agrees to cancel Missile Defense System to be based in Poland and Czech Republic.
Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Posted by: tjp612 | September 17, 2009, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm
As I said on another thread, a lot of these comments focus on whether Eastern Europe will be upset or feel betrayed and wholly ignore the fact that it was difficult to get Poland and the Czech Republic to sign on to the project in the first place. Per FP Passport: “Around 70 percent of Czechs opposed the idea of hosting the radar system for the missile shield and the final treaty faced strong opposition in parliament. The Polish public was more supportive of the idea, but their government held out for months on agreeing to host the missile interceptors, only signing on after the Bush administration agreed to fund an extensive military modernization program.”
In addition, I think it’s important to note that the decision was based on the unanimous recommendation of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gates said the new system would put defenses in place seven years earlier than the Bush plan, and that the new configuration “provides a better missile defense capability” for Europe and American forces there “than the program I recommended almost three years ago.”
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he strongly supports the decision to dump the Bush-era missile defense plan for Europe. In Germany, Angela Merkel said she viewed the shift as “a hopeful signal for overcoming difficulties with Russia when it comes to a uniform strategy to combat the threat of Iran together.” Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk said there’s a chance “for strengthening Europe’s security with special attention given to Poland,” and that he didn’t consider the shift “a defeat for Poland.” AND the big thing to recall here is that the “missile defense shield” never actually worked in testing! The idea was to deploy it and then try to work out the bugs. This thing costs almost the SAME as universal health care, so one would think conservatives would be lauding the president for his spending cut.
As for McCain being confused by the support for the new plan by Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mullen, seriously, this guy is often confused– shiites, al qaeda, sunni huh?
Posted by: Alyson | September 17, 2009, 6:36 pm 6:36 pm
Alyson, we often disagree, but much of what you say about the feelings of the Czechs and the Poles comports with my understanding of the situation. And, as I said earlier, if this truly is a better system, I’m interested in hearing about it. A sea based, mobile missile defense system that could be deployed anytime anyplace would be FABULOUS. If that’s what it is.
But the Russians really, really, really didn’t want missile defense deployed in Eastern Europe. We should have extracted maximum concessions from them before folding this hand.
Posted by: Bridget | September 17, 2009, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
-They think they have special knowledge.-
20th Century history is so hard to find out about! Open a book. And you spend enough time on the internet…
Posted by: Not Hard | September 17, 2009, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm