US Shield a "Very Dangerous Step": Gorbachev
According to Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet President, the US risks sparking a 21st century Cold War with the planned construction of its Missile Defence Shield.
The US Missile Defence Shield is a measure which, according to Washington, is designed to counter attacks launched by “rogue” states such as Iran. As far as Gorbachev is concerned, however, such statements are untrustworthy.
President Medvedev
The build-up of military assets, he stated – along with NATO’s easterly growth into areas traditionally under Russia’s control – was actually aimed at reigning in buoyant Russia, which today sees Dmitry Medvedev become its new President.
In comments made to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, he said: "The United States cannot tolerate anyone acting independently”, adding: "Every US president has to have a war."
Vladimir Putin, now Russia’s ex-Prime Minister, is "not going to start a war with the United States or any other country for that matter", Gorbachev asserted.
"Yet we see the United States approving a military budget and the defence secretary pledging to strengthen conventional forces because of the possibility of a war with China or Russia."
"I sometimes have a feeling that the United States is going to wage war against the entire world."
Russian Security
Gorbachev’s statements are not allied with recent Russian opinion. When the notion of the shield was first introduced, Russia was vociferously opposed to it, but, more recently, it has toned down its rhetoric, seemingly now focusing on obtaining guarantees of security.
The shield’s erection, said Gorbachev, takes “ ...the arms race to the next level...it is a very dangerous step."
"The American's promised that NATO wouldn't move beyond the boundaries of Germany after the Cold War but now half of central and eastern Europe are members, so what happened to their promises?
"It shows they cannot be trusted."
Source – Armed Forces International’s East European Correspondent
Recent related News Items:
Delay in Czech/ US Missile Defence Shield Agreement
Need for Missile Defence Shield Hyped, Congress Told
Russia Calls for Permanent Access to Missile Shield Sites
Russia Still Against US Missile Defence Shield
US Missile Defence Shield: US, Russian Discussions Held
US Missile Defence Shield: Czech Rep Agreement "Close"
US Missile Defence Shield: Polish/US Talks Continue
US Missile Defence Shield: Poland Agrees "In Principle"
US Missile Defence Shield: Poland/Czech Rep. Cautious
