(Sec Def Gates:) U.S. Could Wait For "Proof" Of Iran Threat

[sabra]

Source: CBS News/AP

(CBS/AP) The United States might delay activating its proposed missile defense sites in Europe until it has "definitive proof" of a missile threat from Iran, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday.

At a news conference after meeting Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, Gates said this was a proposal to the Russians - who strongly oppose U.S. missile defense - that has yet to be worked out in detail.

"We would consider tying together activation of the sites in Poland and the Czech Republic with definitive proof of the threat - in other words, Iranian missile testing and so on," Gates said with Topolanek at his side.

...

"We have not fully developed this proposal, but the idea was we would go forward with the negotiations, we would complete the negotiations, we would develop the sites, build the sites, but perhaps delay activating them until there was concrete proof of the threat from Iran," the defense chief said.

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/23/world/main3396548.shtml

[babylonsister]

1. How 'bout 'should', or 'must'? nt

[Ian David]

2. Somewhere an Iranian cabdriver in German, (Codename: Screwball) must have proof. n/t

[Amonester]

3. The greedy bullies back down... for a while?

Did they hit a "Putin Wall" or what? :sarcasm:

Also, take note of this: Guardian Unlimited: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-7017776,00.html

(Czech deputy minister of foreign affairs) Pojar said he takes little stock in public opinion polls that show a majority of Czechs oppose having a U.S. missile defense site on their territory.

More $$ will end in some foreign politicos' pockets instead of doctors and nurses who'd take care of the health of more poor kids. What's new in "Western" Democracy (corruption, bribes, treasury loots...)?

In short: Everything goes... except "the will of the taxpayers" ...

Nice, eh?

[yellerpup]

4. I should hope to kiss a pig they will

Why the hell not? Think of all the good will and money saved just waiting until we are 'double-dog sure'. Keep yer pants on, boys. What's the rush?