Missile-defense trickery
2006-07-26
The Israeli-Lebanese conflict came at a bad time for those
wanting the CR to host a U.S. missile-defense base. Even if we
discount MFD's amateurish survey showing that 83% of Czechs
were already against the base (Karel Hvížïala said in Respekt
that, like any populist, MFD is losing its credibility), we must
assume that the U.S.'s role in the latest Middle East conflict will
act as a deterrent for civilians considering the missile-defense
idea. However, Czech politicians, and not the 354 respondents
of MFD's poll, will decide on whether to invite the U.S. to set up
a base, and Czech politicians like to ride the fence. From their
perspective, it makes sense to reap the upfront benefits of the
base ($$$, prestige, White House invitations, visa waivers) and
leave the door open for kicking the Americans out later if their
presence becomes politically incorrect. But how to put this into
the contract?
[Czech Republic Lebanon MF Dnes United States of America MD
initiative]
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