Putin proposes basing missiles in Azerbaijan rather than the Czech Republic and Poland.

[Swede]

I hope this starts some real diplomacy. We really really need some.

[rockymountaindem]

1. This is likely a non-starter

If the missle shield is supposed to protect Europe from Iranian attack, as the Bush administration claims, placing the batteries in Azerbaijan will likely not give them enough time to target Iranian missles before they pass over the area. If the shield is supposed to deter Russia from meddling in European affairs, as Putin claims, then moving the batteries to Azerbaijan will neutralize their supposed effect.

In short, putting the shield in Azerbaijan will make them totally useless for whatever the US was trying to accomplish. I doubt Bush will go for this.

[wuushew]

3. Wouldn't being adjacent to Iran be an advantage?

I assume knocking out a missile in its boost phase is easier than after it has gone terminal.

[rockymountaindem]

5. I'm assuming that wouldn't provide enough time for target acquisition

For instance, the missiles that are supposedly protecting us from North Korea are based in mainland Alaska, not the Aleutians.

[bdamomma]

2. I don't like the sound of this at all, Azerbaijan is right next to

Armenia. Will Azerbaijan go for this? just asking.

[spanone]

4. Wake up mr bu$h*, the missile defense doesn't even work and he's pissing off the world.

[blueworld]

6. How do you say "gotcha" in Russian?

It's really embarrassing that Putin is smarter than *. One would assume that Russia wants to be part of the "protection" and treated as an ally. Otherwise, one would have to assume that Bush wants missiles located so he can take out enemies darned near everywhere, just in case.

Is Pootey an evil old-school Commie bazturd intent on taking over Europe? Is Bush an evil bazturd intent on taking over everything with oil in it?

Time to start digging another bomb shelter. :tinfoilhat:

[Chef]

7. Madness

I know no one will read this since the original post was 20 minutes ago but, I've got to say it. All this phony missile defense system is a globalization of our military industrial complex. We bribe Poland and Czech Republic to base these Potemkin systems so that we can build them. Blair and everybody else gets paid off and the US citizen isn't any more safe and has a little less money because of it. Why doesn't someone call them on this. Stop this insanity!

[Swede]

8. Putin's plan will cool the armsrace.

We'll see if GWB will do the right thing.

[malaise]

9. The arms race against Europeans

Those poor Arabs now, they won't be so lucky. Fugg all weapons.