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Russian President Vladimir Putin knows that the missile defense program proposed by the United States is no threat to him or his country. So why is he making such a big deal? Putin says that there is no proof that Tehran is trying to build a nuclear-weapons program and Condi Rice accused Iran of “lying” about the purpose of its nuclear program and deceiving the U.N.’s atomic watchdog agency the IAEA.

Putin might be in a position to know, since Russia has played a major part in building and supplying Iran’s nuclear program. Would he lie? I think PrairiePundit sums up the situation nicely, “Putin continues incoherence on missile defense.”

Putin is yet to articulate a rational argument against a defensive system that effects Russian “deterrence” not at all. He can show no harm from such a system. It does not even deter him from being a bully with the Europeans. It does make an Iranian threat which might lead to a nuclear war less likely and he cannot even explain why that is not desirable. There must be some visceral feeling rather than rational thought behind this opposition. Perhaps he sees some benefit in having an Iranian threat, but it could threaten him too.

Rice also described the Iranians as liars when it comes to their nuke program. there is significant evidence of this deceit which Putin is willingly ignoring. (PrairiePundit)

United States and Russian missile defense talks fail? Putin told a U.S. delegation on Friday that Russia will find it difficult to remain in a treaty on the elimination of intermediate and short range missiles unless it is expanded to impose arms restrictions on other states. Putin warned the United States to back off plans for a missile defense system in eastern Europe.

The two sides agreed to further discussions, but Secretary Rice also said the United States will continue talks with Poland and the Czech Republic on the project.

The U.S. has said it needs the missile defense system to counter threats from states such as Iran and North Korea. (more)

What about all those Russian bombers invading the air space of other countries? What about those mysterious deaths of folks who just happen to speak out against Putin? What about Putin’s political maneuvering to keep himself in charge in Russia? Red State says:

At some point, all of this needs to be addressed via a comprehensive overhaul of American policy towards Russia. We have not had that overhaul yet. I wonder how much time it will take–and how much fewer “that which unites us” will have to number–before such an overhaul takes place.

Live video of Condi Rice here.

[Discuss this topic with Debbie Hamilton at Right Truth]