Poland, U.S. sign missile shield deal, bolster Poland’s defenses

The United States and Poland finally signed a deal agreeing upon the basing of 10 missile interceptors on Polish soil. As expected the move drew vehement protestations from Russia, who feels the Missile Shield is part of NATO policy to encircle the former superpower.

“We have crossed the Rubicon,” [Polish Prime Minister Donald] Tusk said just before the deal was signed.

“We have finally got understanding of our point of view that Poland, being a crucial partner in NATO and an important friend and ally of the United States, must also be safe.”

The final deal, in the end, actually involved more American military presence in Poland than earlier expected. In addition to components of the Missile Shield, the United States and Poland agreed to help beef up the country’s air defenses, engage in more military cooperation and establish a permanent U.S. base on Polish soil.

The timing could not have been more awkward. Last week, Russo-American relations took a major blow with the outbreak of military conflict between Russia and U.S.-supported Georgia. The Bush administration was left without many ways to react against what it called “Russian aggression” and the beefing up of the Missile Shield with Poland is a likely result of these recent events.

In order for the Missile Shield to be complete, the Czech government must ratify a treaty for a radar base in their own country which would work in conjunction with the Polish missiles.

If that happens, Russia will undoubtedly escalate itself — likely by putting Iskander missiles in Belarus and Kaliningrad. Coupled with American and Ukrainian measures to punish Russia for its actions in Georgia, the establishment of the Missile Shield will contribute to a significant cooling of East-West relations to come.