Russia Threatens to Aim Missiles at Europe

Like China, its former rival and rising ally, authoritarian, resurgent Russia is making problems for the United States on several fronts.

Moscow supports nuclear armed North Korea and nuclear arming Iran while opposing US moves to create a European missile shield gainst possible missile attacks from the Stalinist/Kimist and Islamist rogue states.

On July 4, while Americans were celebrating their independence, the Kremlin said it would aim missiles at European countries if Washington goes ahead with its missile shield, which Russia considers a threat. Russia hinted it may station missiles in its most westerly region bordering EU members Poland and Lithuania if the US does not cooperate over plans for a European missile shield.

At a meeting with US President George W. Bush this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed an expanded plan for missile defense cooperation that would involve Russia and NATO sharing data about missile launches from Iran and North Korea.

Enriched by high oil prices, Russia is not inclined to assist or compromise with the embattled Bush administration. US-Russian relations are likely to get worse before improving.