Andrew Brookes, a space technology expert at London's International Institute for Strategic Studies, echoed that the plan for radar sites in the Czech Republic and Poland "does not add anything to the US radar missile system".
"The Russians say 'this is my backyard. You need our cooperation'. They are right. You cannot stop Iran or contain Iran without Russia. You need the Russians onboard."
He deplored the possibility of unilateral US decisions "ignoring Russian sensitivities".
THE US risks unnecessarily inflaming Russia with its planned anti-missile defence system in eastern Europe, designed to intercept attacks from the Middle East and North Korea, experts warn.
"It is true that for intercontinental missiles fired from the Middle East from northern Iran for example the shortest way to reach Washington or New York passes over central Europe," said Bruno Gruselle, research specialist at the Paris-based Foundation for Strategic Research.
But "the US military already has radar stations in Norway, in Greenland, and in Britain on top of its Defence Support System satellite alert system which permit the early detection of missiles, wherever they come from," he added.
Andrew Brookes, a space technology expert at London's International Institute for Strategic Studies, echoed that the plan for radar sites in the Czech Republic and Poland "does not add anything to the US radar missile system".
"The Russians say 'this is my backyard. You need our cooperation'. They are right. You cannot stop Iran or contain Iran without Russia. You need the Russians onboard."
He deplored the possibility of unilateral US decisions "ignoring Russian sensitivities".
China is saying the same thing with respect to North Korea, the other perceived threat the US seeking to cover with the system, he added.
The US confirmed it would soon begin formal talks on deploying a missile defence system in eastern Europe, had contacted the Czech Republic and Poland and would begin negotiations.
The Pentagon hopes to be able to deploy a radar system and 10 interceptor missiles in the two EU countries, and former Soviet bloc states, by 2011.
The Kremlin condemned the US scheme as a "clear threat" to Russia and called for talks with US and European leaders.
Czech and Polish leaders rejected Russia's fears as groundless.
Moscow's strong reaction came as no surprise either at Nato or EU headquarters.
AFP
