Lower Shields

The Obama administration has cancelled Bush-era plans for a land-based European missile shield. I don't know if this is good or bad militarily. I'm not well-versed enough in these issues to give an opinion.

I don't think it is a good political decision. It appears that the decision was made without much consultation with Poland and the Czech Republic. If that is true, it puts small but important allies in a weaker position relative to Russia.

This Polish newspaper is concerned about whether the move will embolden the more belligerent elements of the Russian governmental-military apparatus. Other Poles are worried about how this will affect their stature in Europe.

Only time will tell.