I lament the Obama administration's decision to abandon Eastern Europe to the tender mercies (!) of Russia. Earlier I had posted a letter from Eastern Europe leaders (including Vaclav Havel and Lech Walensa) imploring Obama not to do that. But he has done so.
Reactions have been pouring in. John Bolton calls it "pre-emptive capitulation" Peter Kirsanow says, "Keeping your fingers crossed against a possible disaster does not qualify as a national-security policy."
Maybe worst of all, the President said he would stand by Eastern Europe. His "word" proves worthless. One can safely ignore him when he says, "Let me be clear." Here's a video of what he said in Prague on April 5, 2009. And here's the text of his remarks: (HT: Rich Lowry)
So let me be clear: Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activity poses a real threat, not just to the United States, but to Iran's neighbors and our allies. The Czech Republic and Poland have been courageous in agreeing to host a defense against these missiles. As long as the threat from Iran persists, we will go forward with a missile defense system that is cost-effective and proven. (Applause.) If the Iranian threat is eliminated, we will have a stronger basis for security, and the driving force for missile defense construction in Europe will be removed. (Applause.)